Choi () is a Korean family surname. As of the South Korean census of 2015, there were around 2.3 million people by this name in

South Korea South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the southern half of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and borders North Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, with the Yellow Sea to the west and t ...

or roughly 4.7% of the population. In English-speaking countries, it is most often anglicized as ''Choi'', and sometimes also ''Chey'', ''Choe'' or ''Chwe''. Ethnic Koreans in the former USSR prefer the form ''Tsoi'' (''Tsoy'') especially as a transcription of the Cyrillic Цой.

Origin

*According to

Samguk Sagi ''Samguk sagi'' () is a historical record of the Three Kingdoms of Korea: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. Completed in 1145, it is well-known in Korea as the oldest surviving chronicle of Korean history. The ''Samguk sagi'' is written in Classical ...

, the Gyeongju clan originates from chief Sobeoldori () of Goheochon (), one of six villages that united to found

Silla Silla (; Old Korean: wikt:徐羅伐#Old Korean, 徐羅伐, Yale romanization of Korean, Yale: Syerapel, Revised Romanization of Korean, RR: ''Seorabeol''; International Phonetic Alphabet, IPA: ) was a Korean kingdom that existed between ...

; The Gyeongju clan traces their origin back to Choi Chiwon (857–10th century), a noted Korean scholar, philosopher, and poet of the late Unified

period (668–935). *One theory of origin suggests that Haeju clan's progenitor

Ch'oe Ch'ung Ch'oe Ch'ung (; 984 – October 13, 1068) was a Korean Confucian scholar and poet of the Haeju Ch'oe clan during the Goryeo period. He has been called the grandfather of the Korean educational system. Biography Ch'oe Ch'ung was born in 984, to ...

(984–1068) was given the surname during the reign of

Goryeo Goryeo (; ) was a Korean state founded in 918, during a time of national division called the Later Three Kingdoms period, that unified and ruled the Korea, Korean Peninsula until the establishment of Joseon in 1392. Goryeo achieved what has b ...

king Mokjong. *The progenitor of the Chungju clan is General Choi Seung (), also known as Choi Woo (), of

(known as Cui Sheng in the

Tang dynasty The Tang dynasty (, ; zh, c=唐朝), or the Tang Empire, was an Dynasties of China, imperial dynasty of China that ruled from 618 to 907, with an Wu Zhou, interregnum between 690 and 705. It was preceded by the Sui dynasty and followed ...

) *The progenitor of the Nangju clan is Choi Heun () of

who was a native of

Yeongam Yeongam () is a city and county in South Jeolla Province, South Korea. Bordered with Mokpo and Naju to the north, Jangheung County to the east, and Haenam and Gangjin to the south, Yeongam County comprises two '' eups'' and nine '' myeons'', ...

(Nangju) of the southern

Jeolla Jeolla Province (, ) was one of the historical Eight Provinces of Korea during the Kingdom of Joseon in southwestern Korea. It consisted of the modern South Korean provinces of North Jeolla, South Jeolla and Gwangju Metropolitan City as wel ...

region. *Choi Ri (), who was known as the leader of the Kingdom of Nakrang

Clans

There are roughly 160

clans A clan is a group of people united by actual or perceived kinship and descent. Even if lineage details are unknown, a clan may claim descent from a founding member or apical ancestor who serves as a symbol of the clan's unity. Many societie ...

of Chois. Most of these are quite small. However, Choi is the 4th most common surname in Korea. The largest by far is the

Gyeongju Choi clan The Gyeongju Choi clan () is a Korean clan, with a bon-gwan located in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province North Gyeongsang Province (, ) is a province in eastern South Korea, and with an area of , it is the largest province in the Korean pe ...

, with a 2000 South Korean population of 976,820. The Gyeongju Choe claim the

scholar Ch'oe Ch'i-wŏn as their founder. * Gyeongju clan – Ch'oe Ch'i-wŏn *

Jeonju Jeonju (, , ) is the capital and List of cities in South Korea, largest city of North Jeolla Province, South Korea. It is both urban and rural due to the closeness of Wanju County which almost entirely surrounds Jeonju (Wanju County has many resi ...

clan –

Choe Bu Choe Bu (, 1454–1504) was a Korean diarist, historian, politician, and travel writer during the early Joseon Dynasty. He was most well known for the account of his shipwrecked travels in China from February to July 1488, during the Ming dynas ...

Dongju ''Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet'' () is a 2016 South Korean black-and-white biographical period drama film In film and television, drama is a category or genre of narrative fiction (or semi-fiction) intended to be more serious than ...

clan *

Haeju Haeju () is a city located in South Hwanghae Province near Haeju Bay in North Korea. It is the administrative centre of South Hwanghae Province. As of 2008, the population of the city is estimated to be 273,300. At the beginning of the 20th centu ...

clan –

Choe Chung Ch'oe Ch'ung (; 984 – October 13, 1068) was a Korean Confucian scholar and poet of the Haeju Ch'oe clan during the Goryeo period. He has been called the grandfather of the Korean educational system. Biography Ch'oe Ch'ung was born in 984, to ...

* Saknyeong clan – Choe Hang, Choi Byung Ju (founding member modern era Korean Supreme Court) * Gangneung clan *

Hwasun Hwasun County () is a county in South Jeolla Province, South Korea. Anthem: Song of Citizens of Hwasun County Symbol * County Flower : Wild Chrysanthemum * County Tree : Zelkova Tree * County Bird : Dove History Before Hwasun became an admi ...

clan * Ganghwa clan *

Yeongcheon Yeongcheon (; ) is a city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Yeongcheon is located southeast of Seoul, in the southeast of North Gyeongsang Province. It is on the Gyeongbu Expressway linking Seoul and Busan, and is also the junction o ...

clan * Tamjin clan * Ubong clan * Suwaon clan *

Yeongheung Kŭmya County is a county in South Hamgyŏng province, North Korea. It borders the Sea of Japan (East Sea of Korea) to the east. History The area was settled at least since the Bronze Age, revealed by excavations of relics in the county. Dur ...

clan * Suseong clan * Chungju Choe clan *

Goesan Goesan County () is a Administrative divisions of South Korea, county in North Chungcheong Province, South Korea. Demographics As of 2021, Goesan-gun has a population of about 40,000 people. The area has been affected strongly by the Aging of Sou ...

clan –

Choe Sejin Choe Sejin (; ; 1465 – February 10, 1542) was a Korean linguist, and a translator and interpreter of the Chinese language during the Joseon Dynasty. He is of the Goesan Choe clan and his courtesy name was Gongseo (). He is widely known for ...

* Heunghae clan *

clan * Taein clan

Etymology and Pronunciation

Choi is written with the

Hanja Hanja (; ), alternatively spelled Hancha, are Chinese characters used to write the Korean language. After characters were introduced to Korea to write Literary Chinese, they were adapted to write Korean as early as the Gojoseon period. () ...

character , meaning "a

governor A governor is an politician, administrative leader and head of a polity or Region#Political regions, political region, in some cases, such as governor-general, governors-general, as the head of a state's official representative. Depending on the ...

who oversees the land and the mountain". In Korean, is usually pronounced "Chwe" or “Chey” except by some older speakers who pronounce it (this vowel sound is similar to the German ''ö'' �. In Spanish, it is most often pronounced "Choy", which sounds clearly different to its proper pronunciation but some go by “Chey”.

Prominent people of the past

* Ch'oe Ch'ung-hŏn (1149–1219), military dictator of the Goryeo period *

Ch'oe U Ch'oe U (; 1166 – 10 December 1249), also known as Ch'oe I (), was a military ruler and official during the later Goryeo period, serving in various positions such as Assistant Executive in Political Affairs, the minister of personnel and war, ...

(1166–1249), military dictator of the Goryeo period * Ch'oe Mu-sŏn (1330–1395), Korean scientist, inventor, and military commander *

Ch'oe Yŏng Ch'oe Yŏng (; 1316–1388), also romanized as Choi Young, was a Korean general born in Hongseong or Cheorwon during the Goryeo period. He became a national hero after he put down Cho Il-sin's Rebellion (). He also participated in the Red Tu ...

(1316–1388), military general of the Goryeo period * Ch'oe Ch'i-wŏn (859–?), Korean philosopher during the Silla dynasty * Choe Han-gi (1803–1877), Korean Confucian scholar and philosopher *

Choe Je-u Choe Je-u (; 18 December 1824 – 15 April 1864), art name Su-un (), was a Korean religious leader. He was the founder of Donghak, a religious movement which was empathetic to the hardships of the '' minjung'' (the marginalized people of Korea), ...

(1824–1864), founder of the Donghak movement *

Ch'oe Manli Ch'oe Manli (, d. October 23, 1445) was an associate professor () in the Hall of Worthies who spoke against the creation of ''hangul'' (then called ''eonmun'') together with other Confucian scholars in 1444. He submitted a protest that year to K ...

(???–1445), vice director of the Hall of Worthies and early critic of hangul *

(1465–1542), Korean linguist *

Royal Noble Consort Sukbin Choe Royal Noble Consort Suk of the Haeju Choe clan (; 17 December 1670 – 9 April 1718) is one of best known consorts of Sukjong of Joseon and the mother of King Yeongjo. Biography Early life Lady Choe was born on the sixth day of the eleventh l ...

(1670–1718), royal consort * Choe Yeong-kyeong (1529–1590), scholar-official of the Joseon period

Prominent people today

General

* Dan Choi (born 1981), American LGBT rights activist and former infantry officer * Choi Gee-sung (born 1951), South Korean businessman * Hamid Choi, South Korean translator and professor *

Choi Hong-hi Choi Hong-hi (; 9 November 1918 – 15 June 2002) was a South Korean Army general, and martial artist who was an important figure in the history of the Korean martial art of Taekwondo, albeit controversial due to his introduction of taek ...

, South Korean general and martial artist * Choi Hyun-seok (born 1972), South Korean chef and television personality * Jay Pil Choi, American economist * Choe Jun (1884–1970), businessman and philanthropist *

Choe Nam-seon Choi () is a Korean family surname. As of the South Korean census of 2015, there were around 2.3 million people by this name in South Korea or roughly 4.7% of the population. In English-speaking countries, it is most often anglicized as ''Choi ...

(1890–1957), Korean historian and independence activist * Sophia Choi (born 1971), American news broadcaster * Choi Tae-min (1912–1994), South Korean cult leader *

Chey Tae-won Chey Tae-won (; born December 3, 1960) is a South Korean billionaire businessman and the Chair (officer), chairman of SK Group, the country's second largest conglomerate, that includes 186 subsidiaries such as SK Telecom, SK Hynix, and SK Innov ...

(born 1960), South Korean business magnate * Choi Wonshik, South Korean optical physicist * Choi Soon -sil (born 1956), South Korean businesswoman.

Politicians

* Choe Kwang (1918– 1997), North Korean general and politician * Choi Kyoung-hwan (born 1955), South Korean politician *

Choi Kyu-hah Choi Kyu-hah (, ; July 16, 1919 – October 22, 2006) was a South Korean politician who served as the fourth president of South Korea from 1979 to 1980. An independent politician, he served as the prime minister under President Park Chung He ...

(1919–2006), South Korean politician *

Choi Sang-mok Choi Sang-mok (, born 7 June 1963) is a South Korean politician who served as the acting president and acting prime minister of South Korea from December 2024 to March 2025, following the impeachment of Han Duck-soo, which was subsequently over ...

(born 1963), South Korean politician * Steven Choi (born 1944), American politician *

Choe Ryong-hae Choe Ryong-hae (; born 15 January 1950) is a North Korean politician and military officer who currently serves as Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly and First Vice President of the State Affairs Commission, hol ...

(born 1950), North Korean politician and military officer * Sergey Tsoy (born 1957), Russian politician and executive *

Young Kim Young Oak Kim (, born October 18, 1962) is a South Korean-born American politician and businesswoman serving as the U.S. representative for California's 40th congressional district, previously representing the 39th congressional district fr ...

(born 1962 as Choe Young Oak), American politician

Arts

General

David Choe David Choe (born April 22, 1976) is an American artist, musician, actor, and former journalist and podcast host from Los Angeles. Choe's work appears in a wide variety of urban culture and entertainment contexts. He has illustrated and written ...

(born 1976), American artist *

Choe Yong-gon (official) Choe Yong-gon (; 21 June 1900 – 19 September 1976) was a North Korean military officer and politician. He served as the Chief Commander of the Korean People's Army from 1948 to 1950, and as defence minister from 1948 to 1957. He also ser ...

(1900-1976), North Korean official and politician * Choi Han, South Korean voice actor *

Choi Hye-seon Choi Hye-seon (; born 1998) is a South Korean model. She gained attention through her appearance in the series '' Single's Inferno Season 3'' (2023–2024), seeing her Instagram followers rise from 2,000 to 1,600,000, and took a break from soc ...

(born 1998), South Korean model * Kristy Choi, Korean-American filmmaker * Choi Seong-woo (born 1954), South Korean voice actress * Sharon Choi (born ), South Korean interpreter and film director * Choi Soo-jin, South Korean voice actress *

Susan Choi Susan Choi (born 1969) is an American novelist. She is the author of several acclaimed novels, including ''The Foreign Student'' (1998), ''American Woman (novel), American Woman'' (2003), and ''Trust Exercise'' (2019), which won the National Book ...

(born 1969), American novelist * Choi Won-hyeong (born 1968), South Korean voice actor

Actors and actresses

* Lee Ah-jin (born Choi Ah-jin, 1991), South Korean actress and model *

Choi Bool-am Choi Bool-am (; born June 15, 1940) is a South Korean retired actor and a professor. Biography Choi was born in the neighborhood of , Dong District, Incheon, Korea, Empire of Japan in 1940. He is of the Haeju Choe clan. Choi was the only son ...

(born 1940), South Korean retired actor and professor *

Choi Cheol-ho Choi Cheol-ho (; born 2 March 1970) is a South Korean actor. He rose to fame after appearing in the hit drama '' Queen of Housewives'' (also known as ''My Wife is a Superwoman'', 2009). Other notable roles include King Seonjo in '' The Immortal ...

(born 1970), South Korean actor *

Choi Dae-chul Choi Dae-chul (born Choi Won-chul on October 16, 1978) is a South Korean actor. He has been active in musical theatre since 2002, but has also played supporting roles in television dramas such as '' Wang's Family'' (2013), '' Jang Bo-ri Is Here!' ...

(born 1978), South Korean actor * Choi Dae-hoon (born 1980), South Korean actor *

Choi Daniel Choi Daniel (born 22 February 1986) is a South Korean actor, DJ and model. He is best known for his television roles in ''The Ghost Detective'', ''Jugglers'', '' High Kick Through the Roof'', Baby Faced Beauty, ''School 2013,'' and rom-com fi ...

(born 1986), South Korean actor and DJ * Choi Deok-moon (born 1970), South Korean actor *

Choi Eun-hee Choi Eun-hee (; November 20, 1926 – April 16, 2018) was a South Korean actress. She was one of South Korea's most popular stars of the 1960s and 1970s. In 1978, Choi and her then ex-husband, movie director Shin Sang-ok, were abducted to North ...

(1926–2018), South Korean actress *

Choi Go Choi Go is a South Korean child actor and model. He is known for his roles in dramas such as ''Nobody Knows'', '' My Country: The New Age'', and ''Her Private Life''. He is best known for his role in the drama ''Memorials A memorial is an ...

(born 2012), South Korean actor and model * Choi Gwi-hwa (born 1978), South Korean actor * Choi Han-bit (born 1987), South Korean model and actress * Choi Hee-jin (born 1996), South Korean actress *

Choi Hee-seo Choi Hee-seo (; born December 24, 1986), born Choi Moon-kyung (), is a South Korean actress. She is best known for portraying anarchist Fumiko Kaneko in the 2017 historical film '' Anarchist from Colony''. For this role, she set a record of wi ...

(born 1986), South Korean actress * Choi Hyun-wook (born 2002), South Korean actor * Choi Ja-hye (born 1981), South Korean actress *

Choi Jae-rim Choi Jae-rim (; born on April 29, 1985) is a South Korean musical actor. His popularity rose sharply as he starred as Judas in ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' in 2015 and Edgar Allan Poe in 2016. Since then, he has been active in small and medium-si ...

(born 1985), South Korean musical actor * Choi Jae-sung (born 1964), South Korean actor *

Choi Ji-woo Choi Ji-woo (; born June 11, 1975), born Choi Mi-hyang (), is a South Korean actress. Considered one of South Korea's most beautiful women, she has received critical acclaim for her work in a wide range of melodramas, most notably '' Beautiful ...

(born 1975), South Korean actress * Choi Jin-ho (actor) (born 1968), South Korean actor *

Choi Jin-sil Choi Jin-sil (; December 24, 1968 – October 2, 2008) was a South Korean actress. She was considered one of the greatest actresses in South Korea, nicknamed "The Nation's Actress" for playing leading roles in some of the highest-rated Korean ...

(1968–2008), South Korean actress *

Choi Jin-young Choi Jin-young (; November 17, 1970 – March 29, 2010) was a South Korean actor and singer. Career Choi made his debut as a television commercial model in 1987 and began his acting career three years later. He rose to stardom in 1993 with th ...

(1970–2010), South Korean actor and singer *

Choi Jung-yoon Choi Jung-yoon (; born 9 May 1977) is a South Korean actress. She is best known for starring in television dramas, with leading roles in ''Romance Hunter'' (2007), '' Manny'' (2011), ''Ojakgyo Family'' (2011), '' Angel's Choice'' (2012), and '' ...

(born 1977), South Korean actress * Choi Jung-won (actress, born 1969), South Korean actress * Choi Jung-won (actress, born 1981), South Korean actress *

Choi Jung-woo Choi Jung-woo (; February 17, 1957 – May 27, 2025) was a South Korean actor. He began his acting career in theater, then became active as a supporting actor in film and television, notably in the sitcom '' Standby'' and the procedural drama ...

(1957–2025), South Korean actor * Choi Jung-woo (actor, born 1995), South Korean actor and model * Choi Kang-hee (actress) (born 1977), South Korean actress and radio DJ *

Kenneth Choi Kenneth Choi (born October 20, 1971) is an American actor. He is known for playing Henry Lin on the television series ''Sons of Anarchy'' (2008–2014), Chester Ming in Martin Scorsese's '' The Wolf of Wall Street'' (2013), and Judge Lance It ...

(born 1971), American actor *

Choi Kwon-soo Choi Kwon-soo (born October 5, 2004) is a South Korean actor. He began his career as a child actor The term child actor or child actress is generally applied to a child acting on stage, television, or in film, movies. An adult who began thei ...

(born 2004), South Korean actor * Choi Kyu-jin (actor) (born 1996), South Korean actor *

Choi Min Choi Sang (; born Choi Min-Sung on January 1, 1987) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in ''My Bittersweet Life'', ''My Dear Cat'', and ''Cinderella with Four Knights''. Previously known by the screen name Choi Min, he ch ...

(born 1987), South Korean actor * Choi Min-chul (born 1976), South Korean actor *

Choi Min-sik Choi Min-sik (; born May 30, 1962) is a South Korean actor. Known for his intense and transformative performances, he first gained recognition with the television series ''The Moon of Seoul'' (1994). His film breakthrough came with '' Shiri'' (1 ...

(born 1962), South Korean actor *

Choi Min-soo Choi Min-soo (; born March 27, 1962) is a South Korean actor. One of the leading actors in Korean film and television in the 1990s, he has received numerous accolades throughout the span of his career, including five Baeksang Art Awards, six Bl ...

(born 1962), South Korean actor *

Choi Min-yong Choi Min-yong (born June 6, 1977) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his role in the hit sitcom ''High Kick!''. He was a cast member in the MBC's variety show ''We Got Married'' with comedian Jang Do-yeon Jang Do-yeon (; born Mar ...

(born 1977), South Korean actor * Choi Min-young (born 2002), South Korean actor *

Choi Moo-ryong Choi Moo-ryong (; February 25, 1928 – November 11, 1999) was a South Korean actor, producer, and director. He was the father of Choi Min-soo. Biography Choi was born in Paju, Keiki Province, Korea, Empire of Japan (now in Gyeonggi Province, S ...

(1928–1999), South Korean actor *

Choi Myung-bin Choi Myung-bin (; born on 15 April 2008) is a South Korean teenaged actress. She made her acting debut in 2016, since then, she has appeared in number of films and television series. She is best known for her roles in historical drama '' The Ki ...

(born 2008), South Korean actress *

Choi Myung-gil Choi Myung-gil (; born November 11, 1962) is a South Korean actress. Choi received several Best Actress awards for her portrayal of a proprietress who rents out her comic book shop as an overnight shelter in the 1994 film ''Rosy Life'' (also ...

(born 1962), South Korean actress * Choi Ri (born 1995), South Korean actress * Choi Soo-in (born 2004), South Korean actress *

Choi Soo-jong Choi Soo-jong (; born December 18, 1962) is a South Korean actor. Choi made his debut in 1987 as a young actor in the TV soap opera ''Love Tree''. He has appeared in movies, on television and as an MC for various award shows. He has received worl ...

(born 1962), South Korean actor * Choi Sung-eun (born 1996), South Korean actress * Choi Sung-kook (born 1970), South Korean actor * Choi Tae-hwan (born 1989), South Korean actor * Choi Tae-joon (born 1991), South Korean actor and model *

Choi Won-hong Choi Won-hong (born December 14, 2000) is a South Korean actor. After discharged from the military in 2022, he signed a contract with Jung Man-sik Jung Man-sik (; born December 11, 1974) is a South Korean actor. His name is also romanized a ...

(born 2000), South Korean actor *

Choi Won-young Choi Won-young (; born Choi Seong-wook on January 10, 1976) is a South Korean actor. Career Choi Won-young made his acting debut in 2002's '' Sex Is Zero'', and has since appeared in both film and television. But his most notable roles have be ...

(born 1976), South Korean actor *

Choi Woo-hyuk (actor, born 1985) Choi Woo-hyuk (; born October 28, 1985) is a former South Korean actor. He is best known for his role in the 2000 hit drama series ''Autumn in My Heart''. Biography Choi Woo Hyuk began acting at the age of eight, debuting in the movie "I Want ...

, South Korean actor * Choi Woo-hyuk (actor, born 1997), South Korean actor *

Choi Won-myeong Choi Won-myeong (born January 6, 1994) is a South Korean actor and model. He is best known for his roles in dramas such as ''The Three Witches'', ''Great First Wives'', ''Wok of Love ''Wok of Love'' () is a 2018 South Korean television serie ...

(born 1994), South Korean actor and model *

Choi Woo-shik Choi Woo-shik (; born March 26, 1990) is a Canadian actor based in South Korea. He first gained recognition for starring in the film ''Set Me Free (2014 film), Set Me Free'' (2014) and the Korean drama, television series ''Hogu's Love'' (2015) ...

(born 1990), South Korean-Canadian actor * Choi Woo-sung (born 1997), South Korean actor *

Choi Woong Choi Woong (born Choi Sun-woong; December 28, 1986) is a South Korean actor and model. He starred in television series such as '' Secret Love'' (2013), and ''Descendants of the Sun ''Descendants of the Sun'' () is a 2016 South Korean telev ...

(born 1986), South Korean actor and model * Choi Ye-bin (born 1998), South Korean actress *

Choi Yeo-jin Choi Yeo-jin (; born July 27, 1983) is a South Korean-Canadian model-turned-actress. Career Choi Yeo-jin was born in South Korea, but after her parents divorced, they emigrated to Canada when she was in the first year of middle school. She drea ...

(born 1983), South Korean-Canadian model and actress * Choi Yoo-jung (actress) (born 1976), South Korean retired actress *

Choi Yoon-so Choi Yoon-so (; born November 29, 1984) is a South Korean actress. She is notable for portraying the villainous and ruthless Koo Hae-joo in the daily drama series '' Unknown Woman''. Filmography Film Television series Television shows ...

(born 1984), South Korean actress *

Choi Yoon-young Choi Yoon-young (; born September 25, 1986) is a South Korean actress. She has notable roles in '' Seoyoung, My Daughter'', '' Passionate Love'', '' My Dear Cat'' and '' Designated Survivor: 60 Days'' among other works. Career After passing th ...

(born 1986), South Korean actress * Choi Young-joon (born 1980), South Korean actor and singer

Musicians

Choi Bo-min (entertainer) Choi Bo-min (born August 24, 2000), known mononymously as Bomin, is a South Korean singer, actor and host. He is a former member of Golden Child. He made his acting debut with a lead role in the web-drama ''A-Teen 2'' (2019) and hosted the KB ...

(born 2000), South Korean actor and singer *

Dasuri Choi Choi Da-seul (; born April 28, 1988), popularly known as Dasuri Choi, is a South Korean dancer and entertainer based in the Philippines. She won Best in Talent and was the second runner-up in the segment "You're My Foreignay" on the longest-ru ...

(born 1988), South Korean dancer and entertainer * David Choi (born 1986), American musician *

Seven (South Korean singer) Choi Dong-wook (; born November 9, 1984), better known by his stage name Seven (; stylized as Se7en), is a South Korean singer. He made his debut in 2003 with the studio album '' Just Listen'', which sold over 210,000 copies by the end of the ...

(born Choi Dong-wook, 1984), South Korean singer * G.NA (born Gina Jane Choi, 1987), Korean-Canadian singer and actress *

Wheesung Choi Whee-sung (; February 5, 1982 – March 10, 2025), known professionally as Wheesung or by the stage name Realslow, was a South Korean R&B singer-songwriter, record producer and musical theatre actor. Career 1982-: Early life and educati ...

(born Choi Hwee-sung, 1982), South Korean singer * Hyojung (born Choi Hyo-jung, 1994), South Korean singer * Choi Hyun-suk (born 1999), South Korean rapper * Jennifer Choi, Korean-American violinist * Jenny Choi, American singer and cellist *

Lia (South Korean singer) Choi Ji-su (; born July 21, 2000), known mononymously as Lia (), is a South Korean singer. She is a member of the South Korean girl group Itzy, formed by JYP Entertainment in 2019. Early life Lia was born on July 21, 2000, as Choi Ji-su, in In ...

(born Choi Ji-su, 2000), South Korean singer *

Sulli Choi Jin-ri (; March 29, 1994 – October 13 or 14, 2019), known professionally as Sulli (), was a South Korean singer and actress. She first made her debut as a child actress, appearing as a supporting cast member on the Seoul Broadcasting Sy ...

(born Choi Jin-ri, 1994–2019), South Korean singer and actress * Choi Jong-hoon (born 1990), South Korean musician *

Changjo Choi Jong-hyun (; born November 16, 1995), better known by his stage name Changjo (), is a South Korean singer, songwriter and actor. He is best known as a member of the South Korean boy group Teen Top. Career On July 10, 2010, Changjo made h ...

(born Choi Jong-hyun, 1995), South Korean singer *

Zelo Choi Jun-hong (; born October 15, 1996), better known by his stage name Zelo, is a South Korean rapper and dancer best known as the former member of the South Korean boy group B.A.P. He made his recording debut with the single "Never Give Up" ...

(born Choi Jun-hong, 1996), South Korean singer * Choi Jung-hoon (born 1992), South Korean singer-songwriter, member of Jannabi *

Choi Jung-in Choi Jung-in (; born December 7, 1980), also known mononymously as Jung-in, is a South Korean singer under Jungle Entertainment. She debuted in Leessang's "Rush" and was once part of the five-member group G.Fla until disbanding after three year ...

(born 1980), South Korean singer *

Choi Jung-won (singer) Choi Jung-won (born May 1, 1981) is a South Korean singer and actor. He initially rose to fame as a member of South Korean duo UN debuting with the single "Voice Mail" in 2000. After the duo disbanded in 2005, his fame increased as an actor. ...

(born 1981), South Korean singer * Ren (singer) (born Choi Min-gi, 1995), South Korean actor and singer *

Choi Min-ho Choi Min-ho (; Korean pronunciation: Help:IPA/Korean, sʰø.min.ho born December 9, 1991), known :wikt:mononym, mononymously as Minho, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, rapper and actor. In May 2008, he debuted as a member of South Kore ...

(born 1991), South Korean rapper and singer * Choi Min-hwan (born 1992), South Korean singer and drummer * S.Coups (born Choi Seung-cheol, 1995), South Korean rapper and singer * Vernon (rapper) (born Chwe Han-sol, 1998), South Korean rapper and singer * T.O.P (born Choi Seung-hyun, 1987), South Korean rapper and actor *

Choi Si-won Choi Si-won (; born April 7, 1986), known mononymously as Siwon, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, model, and actor, known for his work as a member of South Korean boy group Super Junior. Choi was a special representative for UNICEF Korea ...

(born 1986), South Korean singer and actor *

Choi Soo-young Choi Soo-young (; born February 10, 1990), known mononymously as Sooyoung, is a South Korean singer, actress, and songwriter. She was a member of the short-lived Korean-Japanese singing duo Route 0 during 2002 in Japan. After returning to Sou ...

(born 1990), South Korean singer and actress *

Bada (singer) Choi Sung-hee (; born February 28, 1980), known professionally as Bada () (also known as Sea), is a South Korean singer-songwriter, composer, musical actress and television presenter. She debuted as a member of the South Korean girl group S.E.S ...

(born Choi Sung-hee, 1980), South Korean singer and musical theatre actress *

Choi Sung-min Choi Sung-min (; born December 7, 1995), is a South Korean actor and singer. Choi debuted as a member of mixed group Coed School in 2010 before joined the male unit of the group Speed in 2012 and continued until the group disbanded in 2015. F ...

(born 1995), South Korean singer *

Choi Ye-na Choi Ye-na (, born September 29, 1999), known mononymous person, mononymously as Yena, is a South Korean singer and actress. She is a soloist and actress under Yuehua Entertainment, and a former member of South Korean–Japanese girl group Iz*O ...

(born 1999), South Korean singer *

Arin (singer) Choi Ye-won (; born June 18, 1999), known professionally as Arin (), is a South Korean singer and actress. She is a member of South Korean girl group Oh My Girl. Early life Arin was born Choi Ye-won, on June 18, 1999, in Busan. She attended Do ...

(born Choi Ye-won, 1999), South Korean singer * Yeonjun (born Choi Yeon-jun, 1999), South Korean singer-songwriter, member of

Tomorrow X Together Tomorrow X Together (; Tomorrow by Together, stylized in all caps), commonly abbreviated as TXT, is a South Korean boy group formed by Big Hit Entertainment. The group consists of five members: Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and HueningK ...

Choi Yoo-jung (singer) Choi Yoo-jung (; born November 12, 1999), known mononymously as Yoojung, is a South Korean singer and actress signed under Fantagio. She debuted as member of I.O.I in May 2016 after achieving third place in the 2016 survival program ''Produc ...

(born 1999), South Korean singer * Choi Young-jae (born 1996), South Korean singer and actor * Choi Yu-jin (singer) (born 1996), South Korean singer and actress *

Yuju (singer) Choi Yu-na (; born October 4, 1997), better known by her stage name Yuju (), is a South Korean singer-songwriter. She rose to fame in 2015 as a member of the South Korean girl group GFriend and became known for her vocals, having participated i ...

(born Choi Yu-na, 1997), South Korean singer * Choi Yu-ree (born 1998), South Korean singer-songwriter *

Viktor Tsoi Viktor Robertovich Tsoi (, ; 21 June 1962 – 15 August 1990) was a Russian singer-songwriter and actor who co-founded Kino, one of the most popular and influential bands in the history of Russian music. Born and raised in Leningrad (mode ...

(1962–1990), Soviet singer-songwriter and actor *

Anita Tsoy Anna Sergeyevna "Anita" Tsoy (; born Kim, ; 7 February 1971) is a Russian singer-songwriter of Korean descent. She is a People's Artist of Russia (2021). Early life Anita's grandfather, seeking free education, emigrated from Korea to the Russ ...

(born 1971), Russian singer-songwriter * Choi San (born 1999), South Korean singer, member of

Ateez Ateez (; stylised in all caps) is a South Korean boy band formed by KQ Entertainment. The group consists of eight members: Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho. They debuted on October 24, 2018, with the extende ...

Sports

* Yuhui Choe (born 1986), Japanese-born Korean ballet dancer *

Choi Cheol-han Choi Cheol-han () is a South Korean professional Go player. He is the fourth youngest (12 years 2 months) to become a professional Go player in South Korean history behind Cho Hun-hyun (9 years 7 months), Lee Chang-ho (11 years 1 months) ...

, South Korean professional Go player * Choe Chol-su (born 1969), North Korean boxer * Choi Da-bin (born 2000), South Korean figure skater * Choi Eun-kyung (field hockey) (born 1971), South Korean former field hockey player *

Choi Eun-kyung Choi Eun-kyung (, born December 26, 1984) is a South Korean short track speed skater. She is a double Olympic Champion in relays and a two-time Overall World Champion for 2003 and 2004. Biography At the 2002 Winter Olympics, Choi won a silve ...

(born 1984), South Korean short track speed skater *

Hee-seop Choi Hee-seop Choi (; ; ; born March 16, 1979) is a South Korean former professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Florida Marlins, and Los Angeles Dodgers and in the KBO League for the Kia ...

(born 1979), South Korean former professional baseball player *

Hongman Choi Choi Hong-man (; born October 30, 1980), often anglicised to Hongman Choi, is a South Korean kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and former ssireum wrestler. In Asia, he is called "Che Man", "Techno Goliath", "Korean Monster" and "Korean Colossus ...

(born 1980), South Korean kickboxer and mixed martial artist * Ji-man Choi (born 1991), South Korean professional baseball player * Choi Jin-cheul (born 1971), South Korean football manager and former player * Choi Jung-won (speed skater) (born 1990), South Korean short track speed skater * Choi Kwang-jo (born 1942), South Korean martial artist *

K. J. Choi Choi Kyung-Ju (; born 19 May 1970), commonly known as K. J. Choi, is a South Korean professional golfer who currently plays on the PGA Tour Champions. Since turning pro in 1994, he has won more than thirty professional golf tournamen ...

(born Choi Kyung-Ju, 1970), South Korean professional golfer *

Choi Mi-sun Choi Mi-sun (; born 1 July 1996) is a South Korean recurve archer. She won gold medal in the women's team event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Career 2015: Instant success Choi made her international debut in May 2015 at the ...

(born 1966), South Korean recurve archer * Choe Myong-ho (born 1988), North Korean footballer * Choi Myung-hoon (born 1975), South Korean professional Go player * Choi Na-yeon (born 1987), South Korean professional golfer *

Choi Soon-ho Choi Soon-ho (; born 10 January 1962) is a South Korean football manager and former player. International career Choi was named in South Korean squad for the 1980 AFC Asian Cup. He scored seven goals including two goals against Kuwait, an ...

(born 1962), South Korean football manager and former player * Choe Song-hyok (born 1998), North Korean footballer * Choi Sung-kuk (born 1983), South Korean former footballer * Choi Sung-yong (born 1975), South Korean former footballer *

Choi Tae-uk Choi Tae-uk (; born 13 March 1981) is a South Korean association football, football coach and former player who is assistant coach of South Korea national football team, South Korea. Club career Choi is a natural winger well known for his g ...

(born 1981), South Korean former footballer *

Choi Won-jong Choi Won-jong (; born January 13, 1978) is a South Korean archer. At the 2005 Korean National Sports Festival in Ulsan, Choi set a world record by shooting a perfect score of 120 (twelve consecutive shots in the bullseye) in the semifinals of t ...

(born 1978), South Korean archer * Choi Won-kwon (born 1981), South Korean former footballer *

Mas Oyama , more commonly known as Mas Oyama, was a Zainichi Korean karate master who founded Kyokushin Karate, considered the first and most influential style of full contact karate. Early life Mas Oyama was born as Choi Yeong-eui () in Kintei, Kore ...

(born Choi Yeong-eui, 1923–1994), South Korean karate master *

iloveoov Choi Yeon-sung (, born November 5, 1983), also known as iloveoov, is a retired professional Korean ''StarCraft'' player, and formerly a coach for the Afreeca Freecs' ''League of Legends'' team. As a Terran player he was known for his excellent ...

(born Choi Yeon-sung, ), South Korean retired professional StarCraft player * Choi Yong-soo (boxer) (1972), South Korean retired boxer * Choi Yong-soo (born 1973), South Korean footballer * Choi Yong-sool (1904–1986), South Korean martial artist * Choi Yu-jin (figure skater) (born 2000), South Korean figure skater * Choi Yun-kyum (born 1962), South Korean football manager

References

External links

Official site of the Gyeongju Choi Association, in Korean
{{surname Korean-language surnames Choi clans Surnames of Korean origin

Origin

Clans

Etymology and Pronunciation

Prominent people of the past

Prominent people today

General

Politicians

Arts

General

Actors and actresses

Musicians

Sports

See also

References

External links