The “Asian Arnold” looks back on his time in the slammer
Hwang Chul-soon, a renowned bodybuilder and former Comedy Big League personality known as “Jingman,” has been released from prison. On January 30, he shared his thoughts in a heartfelt YouTube video, opening up about his experience behind bars and his path forward.
In the eight-minute video, Hwang acknowledged the challenges of incarceration but emphasized how the experience reshaped his perspective.
“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
Hwang revealed that even the prison guards were surprised by his incarceration.
“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 in prison took a toll on both his body and mind. “My physique changed drastically—calluses from lifting weights are gone, and I’ve lost a significant amount of muscle. Sitting on the hard floors gave me calluses on my hips, and I struggled with flexibility,” he shared.
He also spoke about the mental effects of prolonged isolation. “I spent so much time reading and attending seminars in silence that I started forgetting names and common words. My vision has also deteriorated since I wasn’t able to focus on distant objects for months,” he added. “And physically, my back and ankles—already weak before—have worsened. I’ll need serious rehab to get back in shape.”
Thoughts on Current Events and Future Plans
During the video, Hwang touched on the political climate inside the detention center, alluding to the high-profile incarceration of President Yoon Suk Yeol. “Lately, the front of the prison has been chaotic because of a high-profile arrival in the cell below mine. No matter the circumstances, I just hope he stays in good health,” he said.
As he looks ahead, Hwang expressed gratitude to those who supported him.
“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 Aftermath
Hwang’s legal troubles stemmed from an altercation on October 16, 2023, in Yeosu, where he was accused of repeatedly striking a female acquaintance during a dispute. Initially sentenced to one year in prison, his term was later reduced to nine months, leading to his release in late January.
While in prison, Hwang revealed in a letter that he had lost 23 kilograms due to stress and the facility’s strict rules prohibiting even bodyweight exercises. “For a bodybuilder, being unable to work out is like a death sentence,” he wrote. “My muscles wasted away, and my body became unrecognizable—thin limbs but with a swollen belly.”
Despite the hardships, he also noted some unexpected benefits. “For six months, I gave up alcohol and cigarettes, and my health improved significantly. My blood pressure, liver, and kidney levels all returned to normal, and I finally got rid of my insomnia,” he shared. “This experience made me realize that I want to live a more disciplined, balanced life moving forward.”
Now, Hwang is focused on redemption. “At times, I battled deep humiliation and self-doubt, but I know there are people who still believe in me. I want to prove myself again—not just through words, but through actions,” he promised.
With his release, Hwang Chul-soon is stepping back into the world with a renewed mindset, determined to rebuild both his body and his reputation. Generation Iron is even filming a movie in South Korea on his life.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
