Seoyunbok's Im Siwan "Exercising Daily While Eating Chicken Breast and Salad"

Movie '1947 Boston' Press Screening
Ha Jung-woo "Im Si-wan Prepared Like a Real Athlete"

Im Siwan [Photo by Yonhap News]

Actor Im Si-wan became Seo Yun-bok, the national representative of the 1947 Boston Marathon, on the screen.

Actor Ha Jung-woo, who worked alongside Son Ki-jung, the gold medalist of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, said at the press screening of the movie '1947 Boston' (directed by Kang Je-gyu) held on the afternoon of the 11th at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, "Im Si-wan looked like a real athlete," adding, "If Mr. Seo Yun-bok saw it, he would be pleased."

Opening on the 27th, '1947 Boston' depicts the challenges and journey of marathon runners aiming to compete internationally for the first time after liberation in 1947, wearing the Taegeuk mark. The film is directed by Kang Je-gyu, who also directed 'Taegukgi' (2004), 'My Way' (2011), and 'The Last Ride' (2015).

Im Si-wan said, "Seo Yun-bok was the first to wear the Taegeuk mark and participate in an international competition," adding, "I also prepared with the mindset of truly representing the country until the filming was completed."

'1947 Boston' stills [Photo by Lotte Entertainment]

To recreate the solid and sturdy physique of the marathoner Seo Yun-bok in the film, Im Si-wan thoroughly managed his diet. Even after the wrap-up, he was so captivated by running that he participated in a 10km marathon event.

He said, "I combined diet management and exercise. From before filming started until it ended, I lived on chicken breast and salad. I also exercised every day. To express firm muscles, I exercised and managed my body throughout the filming."

Regarding achieving 6% body fat, Im Si-wan said, "It wasn't a goal," adding, "As I tried to resemble Seo Yun-bok's appearance, I saw the number 6% for the first time in my life." He added, "It was fascinating to see that number when I first measured my body composition."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.