Ha JungWoo: Why a Famous Eating Scene Was Cut From a Film

Renowned Korean actor Ha JungWoo recently shared a fascinating story about one of his iconic eating scenes, explaining why it was ultimately deleted from a major film. The revelation came during the December 5, 2025 broadcast of the MBN and Channel S variety show “Jeon HyunMoo’s Plan 3,” where he appeared as a guest alongside fellow actor Kim DongWook.

The Legacy of the “Ha JungWoo Mukbang”

During the episode, themed “Seoul’s Night,” host Jun HyunMoo praised Ha JungWoo for his legendary status as a “mukbang” star in films. He specifically referenced the actor’s famous seaweed eating scene, which has become a cultural touchstone in Korea. The host noted the significant impact these realistic and appetizing eating scenes have had, making the Ha JungWoo mukbang a celebrated part of his on-screen persona.

A Behind-the-Scenes Story from “The Berlin File”

In response, Ha JungWoo shared a surprising anecdote from the set of the action blockbuster “The Berlin File.” He recounted a tense scene where his character was intently monitoring CCTV footage. To add a layer to his character’s actions, an eating sequence was planned.

Why the Eating Scene Was Removed

Ha JungWoo explained that he was supposed to be eating a baguette with orange jam during the high-stakes surveillance moment. However, director Ryu SeungWan made the call to remove the eating scene entirely. According to Ha JungWoo, the director felt that the act of eating, especially in the captivating way the actor performs it, was too distracting. It overshadowed the scene’s inherent tension, drawing the audience’s focus to the food rather than the critical plot point unfolding on the CCTV monitors.

Cinema is the “Director’s Art”

Clarifying his approach to acting, Ha JungWoo emphasized that he does not intentionally try to create viral eating scenes. He stressed that his performances are in service of the story and the director’s vision. “Cinema is the director’s art,” he stated, explaining that his role is not to perform a comedy sketch but to contribute to the film’s overall narrative and mood. This story highlights the unique challenge his reputation presents, where his celebrated skill can sometimes conflict with the dramatic needs of a scene. The decision on “The Berlin File” serves as a perfect example of a director prioritizing suspense over a potentially memorable mukbang moment.

This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.