Choi Woo Shik
Info
- 🙂 Native Name: 최우식 (Choi Woo Shik)
- 🌏 Nationality: South Korean, Canadian
- ♂️ Gender: Male
- 🎂 Born: March 26, 1990
- 🏠 Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea
- 🌌 Zodiac Sign: Aries
- 📏 Height: 181 cm (5’11”)
- 💍 Spouse: Not married
- 👶 Children: None
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 (Friend 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, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the Korean film industry.
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, further establishing his status as a talented actor on the global stage. 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.
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.”
- Pet Lover: Choi has a pet dog named Choco, showing his love for animals.
- International Recognition: His role in “Parasite” brought him international fame, with the film winning the Academy Award for Best Picture
Secrets
- Shy Childhood: Choi was initially shy and struggled to fit in when his family moved to Canada, but he overcame this with the support of his friends.
- Struggles with Rejection: He faced numerous rejections early in his career, auditioning multiple times before gaining recognition.
- Passion for Cooking: He enjoys cooking and has even attempted making dishes from different cuisines, including Indian biryani.
- Intense Preparation: For his role in “Parasite,” director Bong Joon-ho advised him to “stay skinny,” indicating the level of dedication he brings to his roles.
- Unexpected Talent: Despite his serious roles, Choi has a hidden talent for singing, as demonstrated by his contribution to the “Parasite” soundtrack
Funny Things
- Rice and Kimchi Incident: During his early days in Canada, he brought rice and kimchi to school, which led to amusing reactions from his classmates unfamiliar with the smell.
- Funny Drinking Tolerance: Choi humorously admits his drinking limit is about one and a half bottles of soju, beyond which he struggles.
- Board Game Enthusiast: He loves playing the board game Catan with friends, often leading to humorous and competitive moments.
- Prankster on Set: Choi is known for his playful nature on set, often engaging in light-hearted pranks with his co-stars.
- Unique Laugh: His distinctive and infectious laugh is a source of amusement among his friends and colleagues
Fears
- Public Speaking: Despite his acting prowess, Choi finds public speaking daunting and prefers the familiarity of acting roles.
- Heights: He has a notable fear of heights, often avoiding activities that involve being at great elevations.
- Failure: Like many performers, Choi harbors a fear of failure, which drives his commitment to excel in his roles.
- Insects: He has a significant fear of certain insects, which often leads to humorous reactions when encountered.
- Deep Water: Despite his love for surfing, Choi is cautious of deep waters and prefers staying close to the shore
News
Starring in Netflix’s “A Killer Paradox”: Choi Woo Shik stars as Lee Tang, a university student who becomes a vigilante killer targeting criminals, in the Netflix series “A Killer Paradox.” The show quickly rose to No. 2 on Netflix’s global rankings for non-English language shows just three days after its release on February 9, 2024. The series explores moral ambiguity and the concept of justice through Lee Tang’s unique ability to identify evildoers.
New Role in “Melo Movie”: Choi Woo Shik is set to star alongside Park Bo-young in the upcoming Netflix K-drama “Melo Movie,” a romantic drama that follows a bittersweet journey of healing through young love and big dreams. The series is written by Lee Na-eun, known for “Our Beloved Summer,” and directed by Oh Choong-hwan.
Praise for “A Killer Paradox”: Choi’s performance in “A Killer Paradox” has received positive feedback for his portrayal of a college student turned vigilante. The role marks a significant departure from his previous upbeat characters, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Choi prepared extensively for the role, including reading the original webtoon and working closely with the director to refine his character’s development.
Collaboration with Park Bo-young: Choi Woo Shik and Park Bo-young’s collaboration in “Melo Movie” has generated significant buzz. The series promises to be a heartwarming narrative exploring themes of love and personal growth, further solidifying Choi’s reputation in the romantic drama genre.
Expanding His Acting Horizons: Choi Woo Shik expressed his desire to take on more diverse and challenging roles in the future, moving away from his image as a youthful actor. He aims to explore characters that require a broader range of emotions and physicality, indicating his commitment to evolving as an actor
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Choi Woo Shik, primarily known for his acting prowess, has also made notable contributions to the music industry. One of his most significant musical achievements is his performance of the song “A Glass of Soju” for the critically acclaimed film “Parasite” (2019). This song, which plays during the end credits, was shortlisted for the Best Original Song at the 2020 Academy Awards, highlighting his versatility as an entertainer.
In addition to his work on “Parasite,” Choi has appeared in several music videos, further showcasing his musical talents. He featured in IU’s “My Old Story,” Day 6’s “Congratulations,” and Im Seulong’s “That Moment.” These appearances allowed him to blend his acting skills with musical elements, adding a unique dimension to his artistic repertoire.
Choi Woo Shik’s involvement in music extends beyond performances; he is also part of the Wooga Squad, a group of close friends that includes prominent figures in the music industry, such as BTS’s V and singer Peakboy. This association has likely influenced and enriched his musical experiences, providing him with opportunities to explore different facets of the entertainment industry.
Overall, while Choi Woo Shik’s primary focus remains on his acting career, his contributions to music through performances, music video appearances, and collaborations with fellow artists have demonstrated his broad artistic talents and appeal in the entertainment world.
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