Kim Min-kyu Reveals Intense Preparation for 'Love For First Love' Role

Actor Kim Min-kyu has shared the meticulous process he undertook to embody his character for the tvN Monday-Tuesday drama ‘Love For First Love’.

During a recent interview, Kim Min-kyu explained that he focused not only on physical transformation but also on deepening his connection with the character, Bo-hyeon, whom he portrays. He recalled his previous role where he lost 13kg and revealed that he underwent another diet specifically for this project.

"The director told me they cast me because I was 'Bo-hyeon,' which initially put pressure on me. However, as I acted, I tried to discover the clumsy charm hidden behind Bo-hyeon's perfect appearance," he shared. He added that he strived to understand the character deeply by putting himself in Bo-hyeon's shoes.

Identifying his 'clumsiness' as the biggest similarity with Bo-hyeon, Kim Min-kyu laughed, saying, "People around me often laugh when I'm being serious. I think I have a clumsy side without realizing it myself. It's hard to admit, but it's the part I resemble most in Bo-hyeon."

Furthermore, Kim Min-kyu described Bo-hyeon as a "sincere character with a human touch," stating that for the first time, he found himself thinking, 'I want to live like this person.' He expressed that he approached the role with a desire to emulate Bo-hyeon as a person, in addition to his physical preparations.

Meanwhile, Kim Min-kyu is currently preparing for a 'bulk-up' to gain muscle. "I'm trying to get my body in the best possible condition," he said, adding with a witty remark that he worries directors might cast him in roles that involve working out if they know about his passion for exercise, concluding the interview with a laugh.

Kim Min-kyu first gained attention after participating in Mnet's survival show 'Produce 101 Season 2' in 2017. He then transitioned to acting, building his filmography through various dramas and web dramas. He notably delivered memorable performances in works such as 'A Business Proposal' and 'High School Return of a Gangster'.