Choi Soo-jong
Choi Soo-jong (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.
Also recorded as Soo Jong Choi · Su-jong Chʻoe
Choi Soo-jong

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- Name
- Choi Soo-jong
- Born
- 18 December 1962
- Birthplace
- Seoul, South Korea
- Occupation
- Actor
- Nationality
- South Korea
- Education
- Korea National Open University
- Known for
- Taejo Wang Geon
- Languages
- Korean
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Documentary summary
Choi Soo-jong (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.
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Note VALÉORINE
Choi Soo-jong (born 1962) is a South Korean actor, film actor and stage actor, among other activities. The actor was born in Seoul. Choi Soo-jong studied at Korea National Open University.
Works include Taejo Wang Geon. Languages used include Korean.
Composed from admitted, traceable facts · 26 September 2026
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Authority files
wikidata · Q493021 · wikipedia · Choi Soo-jong
In this article
Biography
Biography
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). 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).
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Choi Soo-jong • Born — 18 December 1962 • Birthplace — Seoul, South Korea • Occupation — Actor • Years Active — 1987–present • Children — 2 Choi Soo-jong (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). 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).
Career
Career
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. 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. In 2010, Choi was cast in a lead role in Legend of the Patriots, a remake of the 1975 series Comrades. According to a press release from KBS, Choi found acting in a war drama even more challenging than the historical dramas he is known for. When asked why he chose to pursue the challenging genre of war drama, Choi stated "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"." On January 3, 2022, Choi was appointed as the new president of the Korean Broadcasting Actors Association.
Personal life
Personal life
Choi is married to actress Ha Hee Ra, a Hwagyo. They have two children together: son Min-seo (1999) and daughter Yoon-seo (2000). Choi Soo-jong and Ha Hee Ra's happy marriage is well-known in Korea. When Ha was pregnant, Choi did the housework, cooked, and let her rest, a fact that has made Choi very popular with Korean women and jokingly scorned by Korean men. In a television interview in early 2010, Choi's wife Ha stated her husband is a better housekeeper than she is. Choi is frequently seen text messaging and making phone calls with his wife Ha Hee Ra while filming and was even documented doing so in the television special for Emperor of the Sea. Choi has a reputation amongst co-stars as funny and bright. He is known as a jokester on the set that has earned him the title "NG Mawang" (NG Master). When he makes an NG (blooper), he attempts to make light of his error. In his free time, Choi enjoys playing soccer on Sunday mornings. In 2008, Choi announced that he would also begin studying English in his spare time.
Social activities
Television
Television
• Korea–Khitan War as Gang Gam-chan (KBS2, 2023) • Record of Youth (Cameo) (tvN,2020) • My Only One (KBS2, 2018) • Imjin War 1592 (2016) • Into the Flames (TV Chosun, 2014) • You Are the Boss! (MBC, 2013) (cameo) • Dream of the Emperor (KBS1, 2012) • KBS Drama Special: For Her Son (KBS2, 2011) • The President (KBS2, 2010) • Legend of the Patriots (KBS1, 2010) • Korean Ghost Stories: Curse of the Sajin Sword (KBS2, 2008) • Dae Jo-yeong (KBS1, 2006) • Emperor of the Sea (KBS2, 2004) • War of the Roses (MBC, 2004) • On the Prairie (KBS2, 2003) • Man of the Sun, Lee Je-ma (KBS2, 2002) • Taejo Wang Geon (KBS1, 2000) • Did We Really Love? (KBS2, 1999) • People's House (KBS1, 1999) • Beautiful Secret (KBS2, 1999) • Legend of Ambition (KBS2, 1998) • When She Beckons (KBS2, 1997) • Fireworks (MBC, 1997) • Three Guys and Three Girls (MBC, 1997) (cameo) • First Love (KBS2, 1996) • Blowing of the Wind (KBS2, 1995) • Last Lovers (MBC, 1994) • Rival of History (KBS1, 1994) • Ambition (MBC, 1994) • Pilot (MBC, 1993) • Hot River (MBC, 1993) • Drama Game (KBS2 1993) • Best Theater (MBC, 1993) • Bong Yi-jeon (KBS2, 1993) • Sons and Daughters (MBC, 1992–1993) • Chunwon Yi Kwang-su (MBC, 1992) • Jealousy (MBC, 1992) • City People (MBC, 1992) • The Family (KBS2, 1991–1992) • Happiness Dictionary (MBC, 1991) • Chunsa Na Woon-gyu (MBC, 1991) • Seoul Earthenware Pot (KBS1, 1990) • Daewongun (MBC, 1990) • Love's Open Every Hour (MBC, 1990) • Love Rains Clouds (MBC, 1989) • Sir (MBC, 1989) • Principal Investigator (MBC, 1989) • The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyeong (MBC, 1988–1989) • Queen Inhyeon (TV series) (MBC, 1988) • Love Tree (KBS, 1987–1990)
Variety shows
Variety shows
• You'll Know when You Leave (2023; New Year's specials) with Do Kyung-wan • Second House (2022–2023; Season 1–2) with Ha Hee-ra • This is Wild 3 (2022) • Melodies of Korea (2020) • Friendly Variety Show (January 2020–May 2020) • Choi Soo-jong Show (2003)
Hosting
Hosting
• Year — Title — Notes — Ref. Reference(s) • 2022 — opening ceremony 19th EBS International Documentary Film Festival (EIDF) — with Park Kyung-lim • 2023 — Public Broadcasting 50th Anniversary Special — with Kang Ho-dong And Chae Shi-ra
Films
• Obedience (documentary, 2016) • Iron Bag, Mr. Woo-soo (2012) • The Man Who Cannot Kiss (1994) • Man Upstairs, Woman Downstairs (1992) • The Night Full of Stars (1991) • Do You Like the Afternoon After the Rain? (1991) • To You Again (1991) • You Know What, It's A Secret (1990) • Superman Yiljimae (1990) • Puppy Love (1988) • A Young Punch (1988)
Awards and nominations
• Year — Award — Category — Nominated work — Result • 1990 — KBS Drama Awards — Popularity Award • 1991 — 27th Baeksang Arts Awards — Popularity Award in Film — Well, It's A Secret • MBC Drama Awards — Excellence Award, Actor • KBS Drama Awards — Popularity Award • 1992 — MBC Drama Awards — Top Excellence Award, Actor — Jealousy • 1993 — MBC Drama Awards — Top Excellence Award, Actor — Sons and Daughters • 1994 — 30th Baeksang Arts Awards — Popularity Award in TV — Pilot • 1995 — KBS Drama Awards — Popularity Award — Blowing of the Wind • Top Excellence Award, Actor • 1996 — KBS Drama Awards — Top Excellence Award, Actor — First Love • 1997 — 10th Grimae Awards — Best Actor • 1998 — 25th Korea Broadcasting Awards — Best Actor — Legendary Ambition • KBS Drama Awards — Photogenic Award • Top Excellence Award, Actor • Grand Prize/Daesang • 1999 — 35th Baeksang Arts Awards — Best Actor in TV • KBS Drama Awards — Popularity Award — Did You Ever Love? • Top Excellence Award, Actor • 2001 — KBS Drama Awards — Top Excellence Award, Actor — Emperor Wang Gun • Grand Prize/Daesang • 2002 — KBS Drama Awards — Popularity Award — Man of the Sun, Lee Je-ma • Top Excellence Award, Actor • 2003 — KBS Drama Awards — Special Award • 2005 — KBS Drama Awards — Top Excellence Award, Actor — Emperor of the Sea • 2006 — 1st Seoul International Drama Awards — Best Actor • KBS Drama Awards — Top Excellence Award, Actor — Dae Jo-yeong • 2007 — KBS Drama Awards — Netizen Award • Top Excellence Award, Actor • Grand Prize/Daesang • 2008 — 2nd Korea Drama Awards — Top Excellence Award, Actor • 35th Korea Broadcasting Association Awards — Best Actor • KBS Drama Awards — Excellence Award, Actor in a One-Act/Special/Short Drama — Hometown Legends - "The Curse of Sajin Sword" • 2010 — KBS Drama Awards — Top Excellence Award, Actor — Legend of the Patriots • 2011 — KBS Drama Awards — Excellence Award, Actor in a One-Act/Special/Short Drama — For My Son • 2012 — KBS Drama Awards — Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama — Dream of the Emperor • Top Excellence Award, Actor • 2013 — KBS Drama Awards — Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama • Top Excellence Award, Actor • 2014 — Miss Supertalent Star Awards — Excellence Award, Actor — Korean Wave • 2018 — KBS Drama Awards — Top Excellence Award, Actor — My Only One • Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama • Best Couple (with Jin Kyung) • 2019 — 12th Korea Drama Awards — Grand Prize (Daesang) • 2021 — 19th KBS Entertainment Awards — Achievement Award — Mr. House Husband 2 • Excellence Award in Reality Category • 2023 — KBS Drama Awards — Grand Prize/Daesang — Korea–Khitan War • Top Excellence Award, Actor • Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama • Popularity Award, Actor • Best Couple Award — Choi Soo-jong (with Kim Dong-jun) Korea–Khitan War
Literature
Scholarly footprint
A count of publications is evidence of attention, not of standing, and is given here only as a measure.
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Actor Choi Su-jong Falsifies Education. The Korea Times.
- 2.Film 'D-War Tops Internet News. The Korea Times. 2007-08-26.
- 3.Il Hong-kang. The Fact. January 5, 2022.
- 4.Choi Soo-jong and Ha Hee-ra celebrate 20 years of marriage with photo shoot. Korea JoongAng Daily. 17 December 2013.
- 5.Children Come First for Gangnam Mother. The Chosun Ilbo. 27 July 2007.
- 6.Sunwoo, Carla. Ha Hee-ra reveals four miscarriages. Korea JoongAng Daily. 18 July 2012.
- 7.http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/culturenlife/culturenlife_hotclick_detail.htm?No=88
- 8.Fabulous Five to Promote Seoul. The Korea Times. 2008-12-03.
- 9.Lee Ho-young. iMBC Entertainment. April 29, 2023.
- 10.news.naver. 2020-10-13.
- 11.배우 최수종, KBS2 주말극 '하나뿐인 내편'으로 안방극장 복귀 (공식). 10Asia. August 7, 2018.
- 12.Lee Da-gyeom. SBS 설특집 '떠나보면 알 거야', 최수종·도경완의 합법적 외박. Maeil Business Daily Star Today. January 18, 2023.
- 13.Son Jin-ah. MK Sports. October 12, 2022.
- 14.Kang Ae-ran. EBS, 생태 다큐시리즈 '이것이 야생이다3' 내달 첫선…최수종 MC. Yonhap News Agency. May 2, 2022.
- 15.[SC현장] "'1박2일'과 달라".최수종→브루노 '친한예능', 2.5% 넘길까 (종합). Sports Chosun. 2020-01-07.
- 16.Kang Ae-ran. Yonhap News Agency. August 11, 2022.
- 17.No Cut News. 2023-02-20.
- 18.Star News.
- 19.Woo, Bin. Ten Asia. January 1, 2019.
- 20.Park, Pan-suk. OSEN. October 2, 2019.
- 21.Jeong Tae-geun. Ten Asia. December 25, 2021.
- 22.Lee Seung-rok. MyDaily. December 26, 2021.
- 23.Kim, Na-yul. Herald Pop. January 1, 2024.
- 24.Kim Min-seo. [KBS 연기대상] 최우수상 로운 "흐린 눈으로 지켜봐 주길"·김동준 "최수종에 감사". MediaPen. January 1, 2024.
- 25.Kim Min-seo. [KBS 연기대상] 지승현·하준·백진희, 장편 우수상…"스태프들에 감사". MediaPen. January 1, 2024.
- 26.2023 KBS 연기대상 인기상 투표. Korean Broadcasting System.
References
Citations
References
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 15 August 2026.
Elsewhere in Film memorabilia
37,178 published records in this field, each with its sources named.
- Choi Myung-gilPerson
- Choi RanPerson
- Choi Seung-heePerson
- Choi SiwonPerson
- Choi Tae-joonPerson
- Choi Woo-shikPerson
- Choi Yeo-jinPerson
- Cholo LaurelPerson
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Social activities
When not filming, Choi and his wife also are involved with charitable projects both jointly and separately. They contribute regularly to charitable causes in addition to actively volunteering for causes such as disabled children and were actively involved in the cleaning up after the massive oil spill in Korea in 2007. In the first half of 2009, Choi and Ha were selected to be the ambassadors for a worldwide campaign against tuberculosis. Also in 2009, Choi and Ha became goodwill ambassadors of the National Museum of Korea and sponsored a project to provide 50,000 Korean language guidebooks for visitors to the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Additionally, in December 2008, Choi was one of five celebrities appointed as a goodwill ambassador to the Korean capital Seoul. As a member of the "Fabulous Five," Choi was chosen to publicize the international appeal of the city. In June 2009, Choi Soo-jong and six other high-profile actors waived their fees to teach master acting classes at Im Kwon-taek Film and Art College of Dongseo University.