[Exclusive]Boyfriend from the U.S.? Handsome Uncle? After more than 20 years since debut, Daniel Choi's glasses are going in reverse [★22nd Anniversary FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

There is an actor whose image has completely flipped from "everyone's gentle ideal type" at the start of his career to a "clumsy uncle" over two decades later. That actor is Daniel Choi (40). In 2009, he captivated Korean women with his role as Lee Ji-hoon, a dapper man wearing glasses, in MBC's hit sitcom "High Kick Through the Roof." Who could have predicted that by 2025, on MBC's variety show "Omniscient Interfering View," he would showcase his natural quirkiness and carelessness through slapstick comedy, bringing to life a real-world version of "Mr. Bean," and win the Best Entertainer in the Reality Category at the MBC Entertainment Awards that same year? Choi's signature "warm eye smile" adds charm to both contrasting images.

Since his debut, Daniel Choi has expressed a wide spectrum through various personas. Through dramas such as "Forever Young," "The Musical," "School 2013," "Expecting Love," "Big Man," "Jugglers," "Today's Detective," "Today's Webtoon," "Fly, Butterfly," "Mask Girl," "I'm Sorry Today Too," and films including "Cyrano; Love Manipulation," "Conspirators," "Eleven O'Clock," "Chronicle of Evil," "Extraterritorial Jurisdiction," "BEAST," "Sunny Day," and "I Am Here," he has effortlessly moved between intellectual and gentle characters and chilling villains, balancing warmth and chill as he pleased. His trademarks—the "glasses" and the "eye smile"—have at times matched perfectly with the timing of scenes and also served as tools for plot twists.

This year, in particular, he left a strong impression across multiple genres by appearing in TVING's drama "The Cellular 3," tvN's variety show "Gugidong Friends," and MBC Every1's "Great Guide 3." In "The Cellular 3," he exuded the charm of an unrestrained and cheerful power 'E' personality, standing in stark contrast to the introverted and calm Soon-rok (played by Kim Jae-won), serving as a key player who created thrilling tension and a love triangle between Yumi (played by Kim Go-eun) and Soon-rok. In "Gugidong Friends," he revealed his unique charm of being both clumsy yet affectionate while spending time with friends born in 1985. On "Great Guide 3," he delivered big laughs through his cheerful energy, quirky competitiveness, and moments of humiliation.

Daniel Choi also runs the YouTube channel "Daniel Choi" and leads a busy life. He has become even more familiar to the public by sharing everyday content such as mukbangs, advice sessions, Temu hauls, and unplanned trips to Hoengseong, Gongju, Pyeongtaek, Osong, and Seoul. His trip to Japan to meet Japanese actress Takada Kaho, whom he met on MBN's 2024 variety show "Hanil Romance: Pre-marital Love," also conveyed the heart-pounding feeling of reality dating. Recently, he has been releasing new podcast content as well, adding sincere talk segments and fully showcasing his charm.

Daniel Choi, who has been active for 23 years this year, sat down for an interview with StarNews.

-You've been very productive again this year. How have you been doing recently after finishing your works?

▶I almost finished filming all my first-half projects and plan to shoot one movie in the second half. I'm also working on my personal YouTube channel whenever I have time. I've always loved games, so I used to watch a lot of streamers' game broadcasts. Recently, YouTube has become more production-oriented, but I wanted to show relaxed videos like road movies with my old-school sensibility. The Osong trip content, which was unplanned, is a good example. It's like the taste of Pyongyang Naengmyeon. I'm also planning to do podcasts—just me sharing experiences and thoughts in a gentle manner, something you'd enjoy listening to while taking a walk or before bed. I wanted to try a format different from TV and YouTube.

-You had great performances this year appearing in TVING's drama "The Cellular 3," tvN's variety show "Gugidong Friends," and MBC Every1's "Great Guide 3." How will you remember each of these works?

▶My handsome side has been shown through my dramas and photo shoots, so I wanted to present an unmade-up, natural look as if I just woke up at home through "Gugidong Friends," which had a strong reality observation feel. In "The Cellular 3," I realized that the image of me that I imagined was very different from how viewers perceived me. People's appearances change depending on the situation, and I think this time I showed a new side of myself. The character Kim Ju-ho felt realistic, which made him appealing. This character needed to be unlikeable yet charming, so that balance was something I struggled with, trying to blend my own cuteness and mischief into it. The director, staff, and fellow actors were all very helpful. "Great Guide 3" started not as a trip but as an "adventure." I wanted to give the vibe of "Indiana Jones" or "Treasure Hunter." The hardest moment was when we tried to reach the summit of Mount Atlas in Tubkal. After sleeping on the snowy mountain, it had snowed so much that we ended up climbing only up to around 3,000 meters above sea level, not reaching the peak. Still, it was a memorable time. Casablanca in Morocco was also truly wonderful. Located by the sea, it had a romantic atmosphere.

-You debuted in 2003 as a model for the "Lotte Pepero" commercial. Looking back on how you became an actor and your early activities, what was that process like?

▶When I was young, my dreams were to become a scientist, an artist, or a cartoonist. I loved drawing, though I never formally studied it. My older brother was also good at drawing. I read a lot of Shonen Jump and Champ comics and won many art awards during school. I remember feeling shy and having my heart race when receiving those awards. (Laughs) Acting seemed like something I could challenge with just my body, so that's how I started. When I first appeared on "Star Golden Bell" as a rookie, I introduced myself as both a model and an actor. But while acting, I developed a strong desire to express things exactly as I intended.

-After more than 20 years of activity since your debut, if there's any unforgettable or joyful moment you remember most? Conversely, were there moments that were difficult during your career?

▶I felt happy when my works did well and proved myself. It was also good when many people watched and liked what I released afterward. On the other hand, there were times when a work didn't go as well as I hoped, and I felt discouraged. When something unexpected received praise, it was also nice. Although AI and technology have advanced recently, I think people still consume content ultimately to connect with "people."

-The MBC sitcom "High Kick Through the Roof," which you appeared in from 2009 to 2010, is still widely loved. Earlier this year, the cast reunited while filming a commercial together, but it seems they couldn't pursue larger activities due to personal controversies involving actress Hwang Jung-eum. Is there any possibility of another reunion among the cast members?

▶We have a group chat and often stay in touch via Instagram. It was really nice that Senior Information Seok and Senior Oh Hyun-kyung are managing their health well, allowing us to meet again. Jin Ji-hee has already grown up and is now doing theater. Shin Se-kyung and Lee Kwang-soo are both doing great work. I was also very happy when Kwang-soo joined me on SBS's "Running Man." Hwang Jung-eum has a cheerful and lively personality, so I'm glad we still get along well. When I did "High Kick," I was 24 or 25 years old. It's been a blessing to keep working as time passes. Reconnecting with people and hearing about their well-being is truly heartwarming. When I debuted, it was the era before OTT, when people watched live TV broadcasts. Recently, I worked on the YouTube content "Workman" with singer Lee Jun. Seeing us from the same generation work through different environments made me feel emotional.

-Since 2024, you've appeared in many variety shows, including MBN's "Hanil Romance: Pre-marital Love," SBS's "Jungle Rice 2 - Peru Pop," "Running Man," MBC's "Omniscient Interfering View," MBC Every1's "Great Guide," and tvN's "Gugidong Friends." Last year, you were recognized as an entertainer by winning the Best Entertainer in the Reality Category at the "2025 MBC Entertainment Awards." On one hand, do you worry that appearing on variety shows might lead to image consumption or hinder your immersion in drama characters?

▶I think my appearance on "Omniscient Interfering View" was particularly well-received and fun. Whether an actor or a singer, we are ultimately entertainers in popular culture. Isn't it right for us to do things that many people can see? I wanted to bring joy through something cheerful. With so much negative news these days, as an entertainer in popular culture, I wanted to offer something where people could take a break and enjoy themselves comfortably. I also wanted to show that I have diversity.

-Among viewer comments about you, which ones do you remember?

▶I saw many comments saying "new and familiar." True fans already liked my raw, unfiltered side. I also wanted to show that I can go beyond being too perfect or overly polished.

-Recently, you made headlines by releasing YouTube content where you visited Tokyo to meet Japanese actress Kaho, whom you met on MBN's 2024 variety show "Hanil Romance: Pre-marital Love." Are you and Ms. Kaho in the "some" stage? Is there a possibility of your relationship developing into an actual romantic one?

▶We've been checking in with each other via LINE messenger. This time, through the YouTube content, we met and worked on music together. I wanted to release music like an OST for the content. After that, there might be another project with someone who isn't a singer. It would be fun for a non-singer to challenge music. When I went to Tokyo, I ate a regular bento box because I wanted to do something ordinary. Even when traveling, I prefer visiting everyday places like playgrounds and markets.

-What is your current level of interest in marriage and dating?

▶Still, my older brother got married first and had children. I do have thoughts about getting married. If I meet a partner at the right moment, maybe I could get married.

-Now that 20 years have passed since your debut, are there any genres or characters you'd like to act in?

▶I want to try B-grade emotional black comedy. Personally, I enjoyed watching the movie "Incheon Stella." Parody sensibilities like those in "Scary Movie" also appeal to me. If we only do safe things, won't there be no change?

-What are your recent personal interests?

▶I'm interested in content-related areas like podcasts. I want to create something productive and fun. Doing production work would also be enjoyable. I also liked the movie "Oppenheimer"; it was impressive to see people with different backgrounds coming together for a common purpose.

-Finally, a message to StarNews readers and Daniel Choi's fans.

▶I hope to continue sharing good news in the future. Although news and communication methods have changed significantly recently, I wish our news would remain with you until the end. There must be someone who informs so that there can be those who know. To my fans, I want to show you my good sides and various aspects of myself. I will work hard, so please look forward to it. I hope everyone tries many things they love. Although we live in an environment where we can try many things, many people give up before even starting. If you do what you want without overthinking, you'll see something. I hope you find

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*This content was translated by AI.