[Exclusive]Choi Daniel, on his 'High Kick' co-star Hwang Jung-eum: "I'm glad they seem to be doing well" [★22nd Anniversary Interview Part 2]

*This content was translated by AI.

-Continuing from Interview Part 1

More than two decades after his debut, when he was once hailed as "everyone's gentle ideal type," actor Choi Daniel (40) has undergone a complete image transformation into "a bumbling uncle." Who could have predicted that the man who captivated Korean women in 2009 with his role as glasses-wearing dandy Lee Ji-hoon in MBC's hit sitcom "High Kick Through the Roof" would, by 2025, showcase his natural eccentricity and clumsiness through slapstick comedy on MBC's variety show "Omniscient Interfering View," earning him the Realistic Entertainment Best Entertainer Award at that year's MBC Entertainment Awards? Choi Daniel's signature "warm, crinkling-eyed smile" endears him to audiences regardless of which image they prefer.

-After over 20 years in the industry, what is the most unforgettable or joyful moment you've experienced? Conversely, what was the most difficult moment during your career?

▶When my works succeeded after debut, I felt proud that I had proven myself. It was wonderful when many people enjoyed a project I worked on. However, there were times when projects underperformed expectations and left me disheartened. Even when I didn't expect much, it felt good when audiences appreciated them. Although AI and technology have advanced recently, I believe people ultimately consume content to connect with "humanity."

-The MBC sitcom "High Kick Through the Roof," which aired from 2009 to 2010, continues to receive widespread affection. Earlier this year, the cast reunited for a commercial shoot, though Hwang Jung-eum's personal controversies may have limited further joint activities. Is there a possibility of another reunion among the cast members?

▶We maintain an active group chat and frequently connect via Instagram. It was truly heartwarming to see senior actors like Jeong Ji-hyuk and Oh Hyun-kyung, who have been managing their health well, able to meet again. Jin Ji-hee has already grown up and is now performing in theater productions. Shin Se-kyung and Lee Kwang-soo are both excelling in their respective works. I was especially delighted when Kwang-soo joined me on SBS's "Running Man." Hwang Jung-eum, with her cheerful and pleasant personality, seems to be doing well, which brings me relief. When I starred in "High Kick," I was 24 or 25 years old; now, reflecting on how time has passed while continuing my career, I feel deeply grateful. Human connections and checking in on one another remain profoundly moving moments. During my debut era, we relied on live TV broadcasts before the OTT age. Recently, collaborating with singer Lee Jun on the YouTube content "Workman" reminded me of our shared generation navigating diverse environments, which was equally touching.

-Since 2024, your variety show appearances have significantly increased, including MBN's "Hanil Romance: Pre-marital Love," SBS's "Jungle Rice 2 - Peru Pop" and "Running Man," MBC's "Omniscient Interfering View," MBC Every1's "The Great Guide," and tvN's "Gugidong Friends." Last year, you received the Realistic Entertainment Best Entertainer Award at the "2025 MBC Entertainment Awards," further cementing your status as a variety performer. Do you have any concerns that excessive variety show appearances might lead to image overexposure or hinder your immersion in dramatic roles?

▶I believe my appearance on "Omniscient Interfering View" was particularly well-received and enjoyable. Whether actor or singer, we are ultimately entertainers in popular culture. Shouldn't we engage with content that reaches the widest possible audience? I wanted to bring joy and lightheartedness. Given the prevalence of negative news lately, as a cultural artist, I hoped to offer audiences a momentary respite—something easy to enjoy. I also aimed to demonstrate my versatility.

-Which viewer comments about Choi Daniel have left the strongest impression on you?

▶I frequently encountered comments describing me as "new yet familiar." Dedicated fans already appreciated my authentic self. I also wanted to show that I could move beyond being overly polished or perfectly curated.

-To be continued in Interview Part 3

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*This content was translated by AI.