Weighing 100kg, Lee Jang-woo loses roles but gains success in variety, mukbang, and business
Actor Lee Jang-woo appears on his YouTube channel “Zzin Uncle Lee Jang-woo.” Captured from his Instagram
Actor Lee Jang-woo has seen fewer acting offers since gaining weight, but ironically, he is now more active than ever across television, digital media and business.
On Wednesday’s episode of MBN and MBC Every1’s “Do You Know Jip Bap?”, Lee candidly admitted that his acting career has slowed due to his weight gain after he reached 100 kilograms. (“Jip bap” means home-cooked food.)
“I gained weight, roles stopped coming in, and people criticized me a lot,” he said. “But when I accepted that this is who I am, new doors opened.”
Lee rose to variety show fame through MBC’s “I Live Alone” in 2019, where he formed the beloved mukbang (binge-eating show) trio “Pamp Oil Family” with Park Na-rae and Jun Hyun-moo. His relatable image has since made him a favorite in the entertainment industry.
He has gone on to host his own solo variety show, “Lee Jang-woo in the Countryside,” solidifying his status as a reliable TV personality. His popularity has also extended into advertising, with endorsement deals such as a convenience store lunchbox brand that capitalizes on his food-savvy image.
Lee recently launched his YouTube channel, “Zzin Uncle Lee Jang-woo,” where he shares down-to-earth mukbang content. The videos consistently rack up views, helping him gain a foothold in the competitive creator space.
In addition to his media presence, Lee is also gaining traction as a businessman. His walnut pastry brand, Buchang Confectionery, was selected as the official dessert of the 2025 APEC Summit. The pastries have sold more than 100 million units in just six months after its launch, and a sixth store recently opened in Yongsan’s I’Park Mall.
Though currently on hiatus from acting, Lee is thriving in new arenas and enjoying what many are calling an unexpected second heyday.
This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.