Choi Ji-woo Biography: Parents, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Height, Films, Husband, Kids, TV Series, Awards

Choi Mi-hyang, professionally known as Choi Ji-woo, is a celebrated South Korean actress renowned for her emotive performances in television dramas that have significantly contributed to the global Hallyu wave.

She gained international fame for her roles in Winter Sonata (2002) and Stairway to Heaven (2003), earning her the nickname “Queen of Tears” for her ability to portray heartfelt, emotional characters.

With a career spanning over three decades, Choi remains a beloved figure in South Korean entertainment, admired for her grace and versatility.

Profile

• Full Name: Choi Mi-hyang
• Stage Name: Choi Ji-woo
• Born: June 11, 1975
• Age: 50 years old
• Birthplace: Paju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean
• Occupation: Actress
• Height: 1.74m
• Parents: Mr. Choi and Mrs. Choi
• Siblings: Choi Byung-hoon
• Spouse: Unknown (m. 2018)​
• Boyfriends: Lee Jin-wook (ex)
• Children: 1
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $15 million

Early Life and Education

Choi Mi-hyang, known as Choi Ji-woo, was born on June 11, 1975, in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, to Choi Un-yeong and Yun Gil-ja. She grew up with an older brother, Choi Byung-hoon.

Initially aspiring to become a flight attendant, she studied at Hanyang University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theater and Film. She later trained in aerobic dance at Busan Women’s College, reflecting her early interest in performance arts. Her ethnicity is Korean, and her religious beliefs are Christian.

Career

Choi Ji-woo began her career in 1994 as an MBC talent after winning a talent audition. Her early roles included small parts in films like The Adventures of Mrs. Park (1996) and the drama First Love (1996-1997), but she gained significant recognition with her role in Beautiful Days (2001) alongside Lee Byung-hun.

Her breakthrough came with Winter Sonata (2002). This drama became a cornerstone of the Hallyu wave, earning her immense popularity in Japan and across Asia, where she was affectionately called “Ji-woo Hime” (Princess Ji-woo).

Choi solidified her status as a leading actress with Stairway to Heaven (2003), which drew record-high ratings and showcased her emotional depth as Han Jung-suh.

She continued to star in hit dramas like Air City (2007), Star’s Lover (2008-2009), and The Suspicious Housekeeper (2013), often playing complex, heartfelt characters. Her international appeal led to collaborations with Japanese actors, such as Rondo (2006) with Takenouchi Yutaka, and endorsements with brands like KitKat Japan.

She also ventured into variety shows, appearing on 2 Days & 1 Night (2014), and served as an honorary ambassador for Busan’s tourism.

Choi remains a prominent figure in South Korean entertainment, with recent roles in Crash Landing on You (2019-2020) as a cameo and Shooting Stars (2022) as a top actress, reflecting her enduring relevance.

Her return to television in New Normal Jean (2024) and her directorial debut in the short film To My Daughter (2023) demonstrate her continued versatility. Beyond acting, she engages in philanthropy, supporting causes like education for underprivileged children, and her influence as a Hallyu pioneer continues to inspire new generations of actors.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @choijiwoo_official
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Choi Ji-woo married a non-celebrity IT entrepreneur in March 2018 in a private ceremony, keeping her husband’s identity undisclosed to maintain privacy.

They welcomed a daughter in May 2020 and reside in Seoul, where Choi balances her career with motherhood. She previously dated actor Lee Jin-wook in 2007, but the relationship ended amicably.

Filmography

• The Adventures of Mrs. Park (1996)
• The Hole (1997)
• First Kiss (1998)
• Beautiful Days (2001)
• Winter Sonata (2002)
• Stairway to Heaven (2003)
• Everybody Has Secrets (2004)
• Rondo (2006)
• Air City (2007)
• Star’s Lover (2008-2009)
• The Suspicious Housekeeper (2013)
• Temptation (2014)
• Crash Landing on You (2019-2020)
• Shooting Stars (2022)
• New Normal Jean (2024)

Net Worth

Choi Ji-woo has an estimated net worth of $15 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her prolific acting career in high-rated dramas and films, bolstered by lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as KitKat Japan, Laneige, and Samsung.

Her appearances on variety shows, real estate investments in Seoul, and her role as a tourism ambassador for Busan also contribute to her financial success.