Actress Lee Mi-sook has offered a candid, practical take on aging and body image, revealing that she intentionally gained three kilograms to build the stamina and physical reserves needed for her later years.
Appearing in a video titled “Ms. Mi-sook’s Autumn Preparations Complete” on her YouTube channel, the 66-year-old star spoke candidly from a makeup chair ahead of a seasonal fashion shoot. With characteristic wit, she announced her goal to "live to be 200" before diving into the practical reasoning behind her recent weight gain. She explained that having adequate body fat—even what is often labeled as "bad fat"—serves as a necessary buffer to maintain vitality and fight off illness as the body ages.
To build these reserves, Lee adjusted her routine to include calorie-dense, richer foods like cheese and bacon that she previously avoided. She noted that maintaining baseline stamina becomes far more critical than staying extremely lean when preparing for the physical challenges of older age.
Reflecting on broader dietary habits, Lee pointed out the contrast between modern lifestyles and historical human biology. She observed that contemporary routines enforce three highly nutritious meals every day, whereas humans historically relied on stored fat during periods of scarcity.
Rather than strictly resisting the natural passage of time, Lee emphasized psychological and physical acceptance as the cornerstone of healthy longevity. While acknowledging that disciplined self-care can slow certain aspects of aging, she concluded that no amount of medical advancement can halt the process entirely, making it essential to embrace and adapt to the body's natural changes.