Choi Soo-jong

Quick Facts: Who was Choi Soo-jong?

Subject:

Choi Soo-jong

Known for:

Highly acclaimed South Korean actor known for historical and dramatic roles.

Born:

1962-12-18

Century / Era:

1962s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Choi Soo-jong (Korean: 최수종; born December 18, 1962) is a South Korean actor. Choi made his debut in 1987 as a young actor in the TV soap opera Love Tree. He has appeared in movies, on television and as an MC for various award shows. He has received worldwide recognition for his leading roles in some of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time, including Jealousy (1992), Sons and Daughters (1992–1993), Pilot (1993), Ambition (1994), Blowing of the Wind (1995–1996), First Love (1996–1997), Legend of Ambition (1998), Taejo Wang Geon (2000–2002). Most recently, Choi garnered acclaim for his leading role in My Only One (2018–2019).

Career & Major Achievements

He is also well known for his portrayals in the Korean historical dramas Emperor of the Sea (2004–2005), played the role of Jang Bogo, and as the title character Dae Joyoung in the epic series Dae Jo-yeong (2006–2007). When reflecting on his more than twenty years as an actor, Choi said "To an actor, fame is short, but acting is long." As a public figure and social activist, Choi Soo-jong has sought to project an image of integrity and wholesomeness. His fidelity to his wife and dedication to his role as father and husband are widely discussed in the media, although he strives to retain his family's privacy. Choi also openly discusses his commitment to clean living through regular exercise and healthy eating. Despite his advancing age, Choi continues to accept physically challenging roles that require horseback riding, combat and swordsmanship, and exposure to extreme temperatures.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His youthful appearance and physical fitness allow Choi to play characters much younger than his actual age. Despite Choi's image of integrity and health, in 2007 his career was briefly overshadowed by a scandal. In a series of news stories, it was revealed that several high-profile Korean actors had falsified their academic credentials. Choi was among those whose educational background on his resume proved to be exaggerated and included untrue information. Choi tearfully apologized for misleading the public.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1962 (1962-12-18): Birth of Choi Soo-jong — Highly acclaimed South Korean actor known for historical and dramatic roles.
2. 1987: 1987 Milestone — Choi made his debut in 1987 as a young actor in the TV soap opera Love Tree.
3. 1992: 1992 Milestone — He has received worldwide recognition for his leading roles in some of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time, including Jealousy (1992), Sons and Daughters (1992–1993), Pilot (1993), Ambition (1994), Blowing of the Wind (1995–1996), First Love (1996–1997), Legend of Ambition (1998), Taejo Wang Geon (2000–2002).
4. 2004: 2004 Milestone — He is also well known for his portrayals in the Korean historical dramas Emperor of the Sea (2004–2005), played the role of Jang Bogo, and as the title character Dae Joyoung in the epic series Dae Jo-yeong (2006–2007).
5. 2007: 2007 Milestone — Despite Choi's image of integrity and health, in 2007 his career was briefly overshadowed by a scandal.
6. 2018: 2018 Milestone — Most recently, Choi garnered acclaim for his leading role in My Only One (2018–2019).

Notable Quotes by Choi Soo-jong

“To an actor, fame is short, but acting is long.”

“There is a problem though that the more I act, the more I become greedy for acting. What do I have to do from now on? Anyway, I want to remain as a good actor as I put more effort into managing myself.” (2010)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Choi Soo-jong

True or False: “Choi Soo-jong's career was entirely free of controversy throughout his decades in the industry.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): His career was briefly overshadowed by a scandal in 2007 when it was revealed that he and other actors had exaggerated educational credentials.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. K. Fazlul Huq — Contemporary (Died in 1962) (1962): Pakistani statesman and jurist, known as Sher-e-Bangla, a founding father of Pakistan.
• Abdullah II of Jordan — Contemporary (Born in 1962) (1962): King of Jordan, a Hashemite monarch who assumed the throne in 1999.
• Ada Cohen — Contemporary (Born in 1962) (1962): American art historian specializing in ancient Greek art, especially Alexander the Great.
• Alejandro Sanz — Shared historical date (12-18 · Born) (1968): Iconic Spanish singer known for flamenco-infused ballads and global success.
• Alexei Kosygin — Shared historical date (12-18 · Died) (1980): Soviet statesman who chaired the Council of Ministers from 1964 to 1980.
• Adolf Eichmann — Historical peer (Died in 1962) (1962): Nazi SS officer and key organizer of the Holocaust's logistics.
• Ahmad bin Yahya — Historical peer (Died in 1962) (1962): Penultimate King of Yemen (1948–1962), known for conservative rule and shifting foreign alliances.
• Aaron Carter — Historical peer (Born in 1987) (1987): American singer and rapper known for teen pop stardom and enduring musical career.
• Afrojack — Historical peer (Born in 1987) (1987): Dutch DJ and record producer, known professionally as Afrojack.
• 21 Savage — Historical peer (Born in 1992) (1992): Atlanta-based rapper known for his distinctive style and career evolution.
• 1962 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1962
• December 18 (12-18) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 18

Frequently Asked Questions about Choi Soo-jong