Award-Winning Actress Drops To A Dangerously Low Weight For Her New Role
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In a new interview, actress Lee You Mi (or Lee Yoo Mi) revealed that she shed a whopping nine pounds from her already low weight to portray her role in Netflix‘s new K-Drama, As You Stood By.
As You Stood By, released November 7, 2025, tells the story of two women who decide to kill in order to escape violence. In this thriller, Lee You Mi takes on the role of Jo Hee Soo, a once-promising children’s book author now withering under the domestic violence of her husband.
When a woman who grew up in a household riddled with domestic abuse reconnects with her childhood friend, who is now trapped in an abusive marriage herself, the two friends plot to murder her violent husband. But what seems to be a foolproof plan goes horribly awry when someone from their past begins to threaten them.
— Netflix
When asked about her noticeably thin appearance in the K-Drama, the actress shared that she was completely dedicated to capturing the extreme physical and mental stress that Jo Hee Soo was enduring, and therefore, she maintained a weight of 82 pounds (37 kilograms) throughout the shoot.
Yes, I lost weight. Hee Soo’s mealtimes are never relaxed or comfortable… She eats only because she has to eat with her husband. So, I wanted her to look physically frail and show pain in her body. I filmed at around 37 kilograms. Usually, I’m around 41 kilograms, but I lost weight for this project to fully embody the character. I tried to sleep a lot so I wouldn’t think about food.
Actually, I’ve always had trouble eating properly while filming. In a way, I think my body might be made for this kind of role.
— Lee You Mi
This isn’t the first time Lee You Mi has completely transformed herself for a role. From Squid Game to All of Us Are Dead, her fearless dedication keeps taking every project to new heights—and it’s that same passion that ultimately earned her an Emmy. She’s proving once again why she’s one of the most captivating actresses of her generation.
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