“Stop talking about his weight”- Director Jang Hang-jun sparks fan backlash after telling Park Ji-hoon to lose weight on Wanna One Go: Back show
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“Stop talking about his weight”- Director Jang Hang-jun sparks fan backlash after telling Park Ji-hoon to lose weight on Wanna One Go: Back show

Scoopico
Scoopico


Director Jang Hang-jun has come under criticism from some fans after comments he made about Park Ji-hoon’s appearance during a recent episode of Wanna One Go: Back to Base. The episode, which has aired on May 12, 2026 features members of Wanna One, with Jang Hang-jun appearing as a surprise guest.

During the broadcast, the director spoke with the members of the group, who was recently cast as King Danjong in Jang Hang-jun’s newly released film The King’s Warden. While talking with the idol-turned-actor, Jang Hang-jun made a remark on Park Ji-hoon’s appearance saying,

“You’ve gained some weight.”

The members of WANNA ONE laughed in the response while Park momentarily taken aback, responded with a smile that it happened during his vacation. The director then jokingly added that the actor needed to lose weight. The actor then referenced a previous interview in which Jang Hang-jun had commented on his appearance, saying,

“I saw you interviewing on a broadcast. You said ‘(Park Ji-hoon) isn’t that great when he gains weight.’ I laughed a lot when I saw it.”

The exchange continued in a lighthearted tone on the show, but the scene later drew mixed reactions online. Several fans expressed discomfort over repeated comments about the idol’s weight, arguing that such remarks were unnecessary even if they were made jokingly.

Others criticized the discussion of an idol’s appearance on television, especially considering the pressures surrounding image standards in the entertainment industry. One fan wrote,

“Like i’m grateful he casted jihoon in the movie, but i need him to stop talking about his weight for christ’s sake… i don’t care if it’s normal in korea, he needs to shut up”

like i’m grateful he casted jihoon in the movie, but i need him to stop talking about his weight for christ’s sake… i don’t care if it’s normal in korea, he needs to shut up

The clip circulated across social media platforms, with fans continuing to condemn the remark of Jang Hang-jun, calling it an inappropriate.

i need that old man to shut up abt his weight omfg can he not go one day without mentioning it

JIHOONS FACE omg ill cry can he get a restraining order against that f***ing guy

What the f*** is this man’s problem can he GET A LIFE WHAT IS WRONG WITH HIM STOP ALLOWING HIM NEAR JIHOON

Several fans questioned why the director publicly commented on Park Ji-hoon’s weight despite knowing the actor previously went through strict dieting and physically demanding preparations for The King’s Warden. Some fans als felt he was placed in a difficult position responding to a senior figure on camera.

Am I the only one who’s bothered with the The King’s Warden director comments regarding Jihoon’s weight? #워너원 #WANNAONE #WANNAONEGO

Why does this dude even have the right to say this to Jihoon in front of everyone and the cameras? After such hunger strikes, Jihoon can eat as much as he wants, as long as it doesn’t harm his health… It was sad to see how upset he looked after this comment(

Saying this in front of cameras knowing Jihoon can’t defend himself otherwise knetz will accuse him of being rude and disrespectful to his senior 😐

i find it weird that director jang saw jihoon at his lowest, nearly passing out every day due to not eating, his body was REJECTING food, and yet jang wants jihoon to lose more weight??? what???

Park Ji-hoon balances box office success of The King’s Warden with The Legend of Kitchen Soldier and WANNA ONE reunion return

Park Ji-hoon has continued to stay active across both film and television projects in 2026. Released earlier this year, The King’s Warden was directed by Jang Hang-jun, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Hwang Seong-gu. The historical drama featured an ensemble cast led by Yoo Hae-jin, Yoo Ji-tae, and Jeon Mi-do alongside Park Ji-hoon.

Set during the Joseon era, the film explored the emotional struggles and isolation faced by the deposed King Danjong during his exile in 1457. Park Ji-hoon portrayed the young monarch, with his performance receiving significant attention from audiences and critics alike.

The film achieved major commercial success in South Korea. On March 6, 2026, The King’s Warden surpassed 10 million admissions, becoming the 34th South Korean film to reach the milestone. By April 11, it had reportedly recorded 16.28 million admissions, making it the second highest-grossing and second most-watched film in South Korean box office history.

The success of the film also carried into awards season. At the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards, The King’s Warden won three awards, including the Grand Prize and the Gucci Impact Award. Park Ji-hoon additionally received the Best New Actor award for his role in the film.

Alongside his film activities, the idol-turned-actor is currently starring in the fantasy military comedy drama The Legend of Kitchen Soldier. Directed by Jo Nam-hyung and written by Choi Ryong, the series also stars Yoon Kyung-ho, Han Dong-hee, and Lee Hong-nae.

Adapted from the webtoon Becoming a Cooking Soldier Legend by J. Robin, the drama follows Kang Seong-jae, a young recruit struggling financially whose military life changes after discovering an unexpected talent for cooking.

Meanwhile, Park Ji-hoon also reunited with fellow Wanna One members through Mnet Plus’ reality program WANNA ONE GO: Back to Base. The show premiered on April 28, 2026, making the group’s first large-scale reunion variety content in seven years. The program follows the members as they reconnect and spend time together after years focused on their individual careers.