Choi Woo Shik

최우식

26 Mar 1990

Born · age 36

2011

Active since

Screen credits

Choi Woo Shik debuted in 2011 and broke through with Set Me Free (2014) before gaining global fame as Kim Ki-woo in Bong Joon-ho's Parasite (2019). He has also starred in Train to Busan, The Witch and Our Beloved Summer.

Biography

Choi Woo Shik, born on March 26, 1990, in Seoul, South Korea, is a distinguished South Korean-Canadian actor known for his versatility and compelling performances. At the age of ten, Choi's family moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he spent a significant portion of his childhood. This move posed initial challenges, as he struggled to adjust to a new culture and environment. Despite these hurdles, Choi found solace and support in a group of fourteen Korean friends, whom he fondly refers to as FF14 (Friends Forever 14). This camaraderie played a crucial role in helping him navigate his early years in Canada.

Choi Woo Shik's passion for acting led him to pursue a degree in Cultural Studies at Chung-Ang University in Seoul after dropping out of Simon Fraser University in Canada. His acting journey began in 2011 with his debut in the television drama "The Duo." He quickly gained attention for his roles in various dramas, including "Rooftop Prince" (2012) and "Pride and Prejudice" (2014). Choi's breakthrough came with his lead role in the film "Set Me Free" (2014), which earned him critical acclaim and several Best New Actor awards.

In 2019, Choi Woo Shik achieved international fame with his role as Kim Ki-woo in the critically acclaimed film "Parasite," directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film made history by winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Picture, among other accolades. Choi's portrayal of a young man scheming to infiltrate a wealthy household garnered widespread praise. Additionally, he contributed to the film's success by performing the end credits song, "A Glass of Soju," which was shortlisted for the Best Original Song at the Academy Awards.

Beyond his success in "Parasite," Choi Woo Shik continued to make significant strides in his career with notable roles in films like "Train to Busan" (2016) and "The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion" (2018). In 2021, he returned to television with the popular drama "Our Beloved Summer," reuniting with actress Kim Da-mi. Choi's ability to effortlessly switch between genres and characters has made him a beloved figure in both the Korean and international entertainment industries. As he continues to take on diverse roles, Choi Woo Shik remains a prominent and influential actor, admired for his talent and dedication to his craft.

Profile data

Identity

Stage name: Choi Woo Shik
Native name: 최우식
Gender: Male

Born and physical

Date of birth: 26 March 1990
Age: 36
Zodiac: Aries
Chinese zodiac: Horse

Data and sourcing

Portrait source: TMDB API
Rights holder: TMDB / respective copyright holder
Usage basis: Editorial use via TMDB API, non-commercial reference
Metadata source: TMDB, Wikipedia, and other sources cited in the record
Last updated: 29 September 2026
Editor: Claude (AI content review)

About Choi Woo Shik

Hobbies

Playing Video Games: Choi Woo Shik enjoys playing various video games in his free time, finding it a relaxing and enjoyable hobby.
Skiing: He loves skiing and often spends his winter vacations hitting the slopes, embracing the thrill of the sport.
Surfing: Choi is an avid surfer, frequently heading to the beach to ride the waves and enjoy the ocean.
Snowboarding: Alongside skiing, snowboarding is another winter sport he is passionate about, showcasing his love for adrenaline-pumping activities.
Hiking: He often goes hiking, appreciating the tranquility and physical challenge that comes with exploring nature trails

Interests

Acting and Film: Choi Woo Shik has a deep interest in acting and the film industry, constantly seeking to improve his craft and explore diverse roles.
Music: He enjoys listening to various genres of music, and he even performed the song "A Glass of Soju" for the film "Parasite."
Cultural Studies: Having studied Cultural Studies, Choi has a keen interest in different cultures and their societal impacts.
Traveling: He loves traveling, exploring new places, and experiencing different cultures, which also provides inspiration for his acting roles.
Fashion: Choi has an interest in fashion and enjoys experimenting with different styles and trends

Facts

Bilingual: Choi Woo Shik is fluent in both Korean and English, having spent a significant part of his childhood in Vancouver, Canada.
Wooga Squad Member: He is a member of the famous Wooga Squad, which includes prominent figures like BTS's V and actor Park Seo Joon.
Award-Winning Actor: He has won several awards, including Best New Actor for his role in "Set Me Free" and critical acclaim for "Parasite."
International Recognition: His role in "Parasite" brought him international fame, with the film winning the Academy Award for Best Picture

Funny moments

Rice and Kimchi Incident: During his early days in Canada, he brought rice and kimchi to school, which led to classmates unfamiliar with the smell reacting and leaving him alone at lunch.
Funny Drinking Tolerance: Choi humorously admits his drinking limit is about one and a half bottles of soju, beyond which he struggles.