Hwang Seok-jung’s Post-Fitness Competition Struggles: Aging and Immune Challenges

Actor Hwang Seok-jung recently shared her inspiring journey into the world of fitness competition during her appearance on MBN’s “Songpul Show Dongchimi.”

Hwang’s story began at an afterparty following a singing program, where she met director Yang Chi-seung. He encouraged her to join a gym, which was quite a distance from her home. Intrigued, she signed up for a membership and even enlisted for personal training.

Starting with just one workout session per week, Hwang became intrigued when she saw others filming nearby. Eventually, the production team invited her to participate in a fitness competition that was only a month and a half away. Despite her initial hesitation—worried about fitting into competition attire—she succumbed to the supportive environment and committed herself fully.

Driven by a sense of responsibility to represent middle-aged women in Korea, Hwang trained rigorously, dedicating herself from dawn until night. Her diet was strictly monitored, consisting mainly of cabbage and chicken. Her hard work paid off; she ultimately won an award and received compliments for her captivating physique, earning her the nickname “Deungshin,” which means “beautiful back.”

While Hwang was pleased with her achievements, she reflected on the toll it took on her health. “I saw my mom in the mirror,” she said, noting how the intense focus on competition impacted her well-being. Although she experienced some health issues related to her immune system, she remained resolute in her journey, learning the importance of balanced health and fitness.

*This content was translated by AI.