Biography
Choi Hyun-wook is a rising South Korean actor known for his impressive performances in television dramas. He made his acting debut in 2019 with the web series “Real:Time:Love.” He gained widespread recognition for his roles in “Taxi Driver” (2021), “Racket Boys” (2021), and “Twenty-Five Twenty-One” (2022), showcasing his versatility and talent. His portrayal of youthful and dynamic characters has earned him praise from both critics and audiences. In 2022, he won the Best New Actor award at the SBS Drama Awards for his performance in “Weak Hero Class 1.” Choi Hyun-wook has continued to build his career with roles in popular dramas like “Twinkling Watermelon” (2023). With his growing popularity and strong screen presence, he is considered one of the most promising young actors in the industry.
Profile
- Name: Choi Hyun-wook
- Birth name: Choi Hyun-wook
- Birthday: January 30, 2002
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Height: 181 cm
- Instagram: @choiiii_
Career
Choi Hyun-wook began his acting career in 2019, making his debut as the lead in the web drama “Real:Time: Love.” He continued honing his skills through various web dramas before stepping into mainstream television in 2021 with notable roles in “Taxi Driver” and “Racket Boys.” His performances in both dramas earned him the Best New Actor award at the SBS Drama Awards, solidifying his potential as a rising star.
In 2022, Choi Hyun-wook experienced a major career breakthrough with his supporting role in the widely popular drama “Twenty-Five Twenty-One.” His portrayal of Moon Ji-woong, a lovable and fashion-forward character, captivated audiences, with his natural acting style and unique dialogue earning widespread praise. The success of the drama significantly boosted his public recognition.
Building on this momentum, he took on a strikingly different role in “Weak Hero Class 1,” an intense school action drama. Departing from his previous cheerful and lighthearted characters, he transformed into a fierce and skilled fighter who bravely defended weaker students from bullying. His powerful action sequences and emotional depth received critical acclaim, further proving his versatility as an actor.
He then returned to a more vibrant and energetic role as Ha Yi-chan in the tvN drama “Twinkling Watermelon.” Playing a spirited band boy, he once again impressed audiences with his engaging performance and strong chemistry with his co-stars, particularly his bromance with Ryeo-un and romantic moments with Shin Eun-soo.
Looking ahead to 2025, Choi Hyun-wook is set to take on his first solo lead role in the romance drama “My Dearest Nemesis,” where he will star alongside Moon Ga-young. With each project, he continues to showcase his versatility, cementing his status as one of the most promising young actors in the industry.
Personal Life
Early Life
Choi Hyun-wook dedicated much of his childhood to baseball, playing from fourth grade in elementary school until his first year of high school. In 2017, as a third-year student at Suwonbuk Middle School, he served as the catcher for his baseball team in the 47th Presidential National Middle School Baseball Tournament. His team won the championship, and he was honored with the Stolen Base Award. The following year, he was scouted by Choi Jae-ho of Gangneung High School’s baseball team.
However, during his first year of high school, he suffered an elbow injury that required surgery and rehabilitation. Despite undergoing treatment, his condition did not improve, ultimately forcing him to give up baseball. Among his former teammates, Kim Jin-wook went on to become a professional player for the Lotte Giants.
Following this setback, Choi Hyun-wook decided to pursue a new path in acting. He left Gangneung High School and stepped away from baseball entirely. To focus on his passion for performing, he transferred to Hanlim Multi Art School, where he studied in the Broadcasting & Entertainment Department until his graduation.
Smoking and Littering Controversy
On October 5, 2023, a YouTube Shorts video titled “Apgujeong Rodeo – Choi Hyun-wook Spotted” surfaced, sparking controversy. The footage showed Choi Hyun-wook smoking on the street, flicking his cigarette butt onto the ground, and embracing a woman. While past sightings of him at clubs were dismissed as personal matters, public smoking and littering drew criticism.
Choi Hyun-wook’s actions violated Article 8, Clause 1 of the Waste Control Act, which prohibits littering. In Seoul, this offense carries a fine of 50,000 KRW. Additionally, he was accused of blocking a vehicle’s movement, as two men in the video were heard asking him to move.
The controversy intensified as Choi Hyun-wook was starring in “Twinkling Watermelon” at the time. Though the video was likely filmed in the summer, it resurfaced in October, raising concerns about his professionalism.
In response, Choi Hyun-wook issued a handwritten apology through his agency, Gold Medalist, acknowledging his mistake and pledging to be more mindful. A citizen complaint led to an official fine, which his agency confirmed had been paid.
Accidental Nude Exposure
On November 13, 2024, Choi Hyun-wook posted a photo on his Instagram Story showing a newly purchased Bearbrick figurine. However, the reflective surface of the item unintentionally captured his fully nude reflection, including his private parts. Realizing the mistake, he quickly deleted the photo, but it had already spread across various online communities.
His agency, Gold Medalist, stated that they had no official comment regarding the incident.
Net Worth
Choi Hyun-wook is not only a talented actor but also an emerging figure in the modeling industry, thanks to his striking visuals. While he has already made a name for himself as a lead actor in several dramas, he is now expanding his influence by collaborating with international luxury brands such as Givenchy, Dior, and Gucci.
As a rising star, Choi Hyun-wook is steadily building his reputation in the South Korean entertainment industry. Despite being relatively new to the scene, his popularity is growing rapidly. According to various sources, his net worth has already reached approximately $1 million and continues to rise as his career progresses.
Filmography
Television series
- Taxi Driver (2021)
- Racket Boys (2021)
- Jirisan (2021)
- Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
- Weak Hero Class 1 (2022)
- D.P. Season 2 (2023)
- Twinkling Watermelon (2023)
- My Dearest Nemesis (2025)
Web series
- Real: Time: Love (2019 – 2020)
- Pop Out Boy! (2020)
- High Cookie (2023)
Music video appearances
- Ditto – NewJeans (2022)
- “Alley” (골목길) – Lee Hi (2023)
- “My Beloved” (그대가 해준 말) – Lee Hi (2024)
Fun Facts
- He is a fan of the SSG Landers and has even thrown the ceremonial first pitch at one of their home games.
- He has always been fond of movies and has a deep emotional sensibility.
- Many people have compared his aura to actor Jang Ki-yong.
- His hobbies include traveling, various sports, and action performances, as he enjoys physical activities.
- He has a partial double eyelid on his left eye.
- He has a strong interest in fashion and is known for his good sense of style.
- He frequently shares food photos on Instagram, showing his love for eating.
- He has never truly experienced a “struggling actor” phase.
- He does not have any siblings.
