Choi Woo-shik is a critically acclaimed South Korean actor who skyrocketed to international fame with his performances in the Oscar-winning film Parasite and the zombie thriller Train to Busan. Known for his subtle charisma and emotional depth, Woo-shik has steadily built a versatile career that bridges mainstream cinema and indie projects, earning recognition both in South Korea and globally. With his boyish charm and impressive acting range, he is one of the most respected talents of his generation.
Born on March 26, 1990, in Seoul, South Korea, Choi Woo-shik spent much of his youth in Vancouver, Canada, where he moved with his family at the age of 10. Originally aspiring to become a filmmaker, Woo-shik studied at Simon Fraser University before deciding to pursue acting and returning to South Korea. His bicultural background has made him particularly appealing to international audiences, and he is fluent in both Korean and English.
Choi made his acting debut in 2011 with a role in the period drama The Duo. His breakout came with Set Me Free (2014), an indie drama where he played a troubled teenager. The film was a critical success and won him the Actor of the Year award at the Busan International Film Festival. However, his major rise to global fame came with his role as Ki-woo in Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite (2019), which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and Best Picture at the Oscars.
Choi Woo-shik continues to challenge himself with diverse roles, including the romantic youth drama Our Beloved Summer and action-thrillers like The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion. His grounded presence and emotional vulnerability on screen have made him a favorite among directors and audiences alike.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Choi Woo-shik |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 35 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1990 |
| Hometown | Vancouver, Canada |
| Caste/Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Aries |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 181 cm (5’11”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 66 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Mother’s name | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Brother’s name | Older Brother (name not publicly known) |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | N/A (Not Applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dating | Rumored to have dated Park Seo-joon’s cousin |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Pinetree Secondary School, Coquitlam, Canada |
|---|---|
| College/ University | Simon Fraser University (Canada); Chung-Ang University (South Korea) |
| Educational Qualification | Major in Cultural Studies |
Controversies
Choi Woo-shik has maintained a clean public image with no major controversies to date. His low-key and professional demeanor has contributed to his respected reputation in the entertainment industry.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Kimchi stew, burgers, and sushi |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | Inception |
| Favorite Actor | Leonardo DiCaprio |
| Favorite Actress | Natalie Portman |
| Favorite Color | Black and Navy Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Favorite Destination | Vancouver and Tokyo |
| Favorite Cafe | Local coffee shops in Seoul |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Casual streetwear like Carhartt and Nike |
| Favorite Book | Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami |
| Favorite Athlete | Son Heung-min |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Approx. $50,000 – $100,000 per project (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million USD (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Choi Woo-shik |
|---|---|
| Not officially active | |
| N/A | |
| @dntlrdl (official account) |
Personal quote:
“I believe in showing emotions through silence more than words. That’s what makes acting powerful.”
Early Life and Career:
Choi Woo-shik’s journey into acting was as unexpected as it was inspiring. Growing up in Canada, he was initially more interested in directing than acting. But while studying film at Simon Fraser University, he realized his passion for performing. In 2011, he returned to South Korea and enrolled at Chung-Ang University, a well-known institution for aspiring entertainers.
He began auditioning and landed small TV roles before receiving critical praise for Set Me Free (2014), where he played a young man navigating abandonment and spiritual guilt. His portrayal won him several newcomer awards and made filmmakers take note. He steadily built his filmography with roles in Okja (2017), working again with director Bong Joon-ho.
In 2016, he appeared in Train to Busan, which gained cult status internationally. But it was his role as Ki-woo in Parasite that launched him onto the global stage. His performance as the cunning but naive tutor was both emotionally layered and socially symbolic. The film’s global acclaim, including four Oscars, brought him massive recognition.
Current life/Events:
Since Parasite, Choi Woo-shik has balanced between global prestige and Korean storytelling. He starred in the Netflix romantic drama Our Beloved Summer (2021), reuniting with childhood friend Kim Da-mi. The show became a hit, especially among younger audiences.
In 2024, he appeared in Wonderland, a sci-fi fantasy film alongside Bae Suzy and Tang Wei. He continues to be a brand ambassador for several fashion and skincare brands, maintaining his down-to-earth yet stylish persona.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Choi Woo-shik
- He moved to Canada when he was 10 and still speaks fluent English.
- Despite his global success, he has never formally studied acting.
- His close circle of friends includes actors Park Seo-joon, BTS’s V, and Peakboy, forming the famous “Wooga Squad.”
- He was once mistaken for a college student while filming due to his youthful appearance.
- Choi originally wanted to become a filmmaker or director.
- He’s a huge fan of the NBA and often watches games late into the night.
- Choi is known for being humble and introverted, avoiding the spotlight off-camera.
- His ideal role is a deep, psychological thriller character—a contrast to his usual charming roles.
- He enjoys writing and journaling in his spare time.
- Despite being a fashion icon, he claims to be indifferent about shopping and styling.
