Hwang Chul-soon Reflects on His Time in Prison and Plans for a Comeback

The “Asian Arnold” opens up about his incarceration and road to redemption.

Hwang Chul-soon, the celebrated bodybuilder and former Comedy Big League entertainer known as “Jingman,” has officially regained his freedom. On January 30, he took to YouTube with an emotional eight-minute video, candidly discussing his time in confinement and his vision for the future.

In the video, Hwang acknowledged the hardships of prison life but underscored how the experience transformed his outlook.

“At first, I thought I wouldn’t last a single day, but I decided to focus on self-reflection and growth. Regardless of how things began, I chose not to make excuses. Instead, I owned my mistakes, reflected on them, and committed to changing,” he stated.

Chul-Soon’s Lessons Learned Behind Bars

Even the prison staff found his imprisonment unexpected.

“Some of them told me they had never seen anyone jailed over an assault case with a three-week medical diagnosis. But rather than dwell on whether it was fair, I accepted it as an opportunity to reset my life,” he explained. “If I made a mistake, then taking responsibility is the only way forward.”

His time behind bars left a deep impact on both his physique and mental well-being. “My once chiseled frame has deteriorated—my hands, once hardened with calluses from heavy lifting, have softened, and I’ve lost a significant amount of muscle mass. The unforgiving prison floors left me with calluses on my hips, while my flexibility suffered immensely,” he admitted.

Hwang also reflected on the psychological effects of extended isolation. “I spent countless hours in silence, engrossed in books and attending self-improvement seminars, to the point where I started forgetting names and simple words. My vision has also worsened, likely due to the lack of long-distance focus for months,” he revealed. “Physically, my pre-existing back and ankle issues have worsened considerably. I’ll have to undergo serious rehabilitation before I can rebuild my strength and regain peak conditioning.”

Reflections on Current Affairs and Future Aspirations

In his video, Hwang shed light on the political atmosphere within the detention center, subtly referencing the high-profile incarceration of President Yoon Suk Yeol. “Lately, the front of the prison has been in complete turmoil due to a well-known figure being placed in the cell directly beneath mine. Regardless of the situation, I sincerely hope he maintains his health,” he remarked.
Looking forward, Hwang expressed deep appreciation for those who stood by him throughout his ordeal.

“To everyone who reached out, whether with encouragement or criticism, thank you. I’m taking this time to rebuild myself and hope to return as a better person who can have a positive impact.”

The Incident and Its Repercussions

Hwang’s legal troubles originated from an altercation on October 16, 2023, in Yeosu, where he was accused of repeatedly striking a female acquaintance during a dispute. Initially handed a one-year prison sentence, his term was later reduced to nine months, leading to his release in late January.

While serving his sentence, Hwang disclosed in a letter that he had shed a staggering 23 kilograms due to extreme stress and the strict regulations prohibiting even the most basic bodyweight workouts. “For a bodybuilder, being unable to train feels like a slow, agonizing death,” he wrote. “My once-powerful physique deteriorated—my muscles withered away, leaving me with frail limbs and an unrecognizable body, yet my stomach remained bloated from the prison diet.”

Despite enduring immense physical and psychological strain, he acknowledged a few surprising health benefits. “For half a year, I abstained from alcohol and cigarettes, and my overall well-being improved dramatically. My blood pressure stabilized, my liver and kidney function returned to optimal levels, and for the first time in years, I conquered my insomnia,” he revealed. “This experience made me realize I need to adopt a more structured, disciplined lifestyle moving forward.”

Now, Hwang is fully committed to a comeback. “There were moments when I felt the crushing weight of humiliation and self-doubt, but I remind myself that there are still people who believe in me. I won’t just speak about redemption—I’ll prove it through my actions,” he vowed.

With his release, Hwang Chul-soon is stepping back into the world with a renewed mindset, determined to reclaim his strength and restore his legacy. In fact, Generation Iron is currently producing a film in South Korea that will chronicle his tumultuous journey.