Once a Cart Pusher, Now a Villain to Watch: Choo Young-woo’s Breakout Journey
In the dynamic world of Korean entertainment, few stories are as compelling as that of Choo Young-woo, the actor who, just four years ago, was struggling to find his place in the industry and now stands as one of the most talked-about rising stars in K-drama.
Choo Young-woo has recently captured widespread attention for his chilling portrayal of the villain Lee Geum-son in the action-packed drama Mercy For None, impressing audiences with his intense performance and emotional depth.
However, his journey to the top has been anything but smooth. Speaking on the June 11th preview episode of You Quiz on the block, Choo Young-woo candidly shared his difficult beginnings.
After facing repeated rejections in auditions, he resorted to taking various jobs to make ends meet—working as a supermarket cart pusher, security guard, and even a parking attendant for a modest wage of just 9,000 won per hour.
Fans are buzzing over how Choo Young-woo who once showed up on You Quiz on the Block as just “a regular student” has now confidently stepped into the spotlight as a full-fledged actor.
“It’s always the classic ‘6 years ago’ story,” one commenter joked, referencing the now-viral transformation. Viewers are especially charmed by his visuals, with one fan asking, “Why is he so insanely handsome?” Others are calling him “a star born from You Quiz,” celebrating the show’s unexpected role in discovering future talent.
Despite these hardships, Choo Young-woo’s perseverance has paid off spectacularly. Over the past year, he’s consistently landed roles in high-profile dramas, including The Tale of Lady Ok alongside Lim Ji-yeon, The Trauma Code starring Joo Ji-hoon, and Mercy For None, where he acted opposite industry veterans So Ji-sub, Huh Joon-ho, Ahn Kil-kang, and Jo Han-chul.
What sets Choo Young-woo apart is his remarkable range. Whether playing a romantic lead, a complex supporting character, or a formidable antagonist, he consistently brings depth and nuance to his roles proving his acting versatility time and again.
Looking ahead, Choo Young-woo is expected to continue his rise with the upcoming fantasy romance Head Over Heels, which reunites him with Cho Yi-hyun after four years. In the drama, he portrays Bae Gyeon-woo, a handsome young man marked by fate to die, while Cho Yi-hyun plays Park Seong-ah, a young sorceress who falls for him at first sight and vows to alter his destiny.