Choi Daniel (Korean: 최다니엘) is a South Korean actor, DJ, and model born on February 22, 1986, in Gangdong District, Seoul. Choi Daniel was a South Korean actor, known by nicknames such as “Light Daniel” and “Glasses Hottie.” He was born on February 22, 1986, in Gangdong-gu, Seoul Special City. His father underwent a vasectomy after the birth of his older brother, not wanting more children, but Choi Daniel was born through what was considered a “miracle,” leading to his name “Daniel,” meaning “a son given by heaven.” However, he lost his mother in an accident at the age of four, and following his father’s business failure, he spent his childhood moving between relatives’ homes.
This challenging background added depth to his acting and personality. He grew up in an economically difficult environment, losing his mother at four years old. He lived with his father and an older brother, six years his senior, moving from one relative’s home to another, and had few memories of his mother. Until his second year of high school, he had no specific dreams, but seeing his friends decide on their career paths prompted him to reflect on his own future, asking, “What will I do?”
Initially, he aimed to become a hairdresser and visited a salon, but feeling unsuited for it, he chose the path of acting. While working part-time, he came across an advertisement for a theater troupe audition and began as a trainee. In 2003, he debuted in a Bibimbap commercial as “Man No. 2,” and in 2004, he officially started his acting career with EBS’s School Stories. After graduating high school, he followed his acting teacher’s advice to pursue higher education but dropped out of Chungwoon University’s Broadcasting and Acting Department due to financial difficulties. To cover rent, he and his brother took on various part-time jobs while he auditioned over 100 times. Despite repeated rejections, he gained experience by performing on theater stages and appearing in minor roles, such as in KBS 2TV’s Golden Apple.
In 2008, his enthusiastic performance of the “Deunggo Song” in a Bibimbap commercial gained attention, making his name known. That same year, he played Yang Soo-kyung in KBS 2TV’s The World They Live In, marking the start of his full-fledged acting career. In 2009, he portrayed Lee Ji-hoon in MBC’s sitcom High Kick Through the Roof, earning widespread recognition. His intellectual image combined with a humorous “heodang” (clumsy) persona was loved, earning him the nickname “Glasses Hottie.” His ability to portray both intellectual roles with glasses and playful roles without them became a defining trait. In 2011, he played opposite Jang Na-ra in KBS’s Babyfaced Beauty, showcasing stable acting skills. Choi Daniel was known for his calm voice and delicate emotional expression, performing a wide range of roles from cold villains to warm teachers. The iconic line from High Kick Through the Roof, “Ji-hoon hyung, the best!” left a strong impression on viewers. He stated, “I give my all to every role,” and was known for approaching even cameo roles with utmost sincerity.
Particularly, he made a strong impact in High Kick Through the Roof, School 2013, and Today’s Webtoon, gaining many fans in Japan as well. In recent years, he also appeared in variety shows and his YouTube channel “Choi Da Cheese,” where his candid and authentic personality garnered attention.
As an actor, he was distinguished by his refined appearance and down-to-earth personality, excelling in comedy, romance, suspense, and more, earning a large fanbase in Japan. In variety shows, he was affectionately called “Choi Jeossi” (Mr. Choi), and his everyday mishaps and charming remarks became major topics, endearing him to many viewers.
Choi Daniel profile
- Korean Name: 최다니엘 | Japaness チェ・ダニエル
- Born: February 22, 1986, Gangdong District, Seoul, South Korea
- Age: 39 (as of 2025)
- Education: Seoul Shinam Elementary School, Shinam Middle School, Kwangmun High School, Chungwoon University (Broadcasting and Acting, dropped out)
- Occupation: Actor, DJ, Model, Radio Host
- Agent: Star Road Company
- Years Active: 2005–present
- Family: Father (former military academy), Brother (civil servant), Mother (deceased)
- Marital Status: Unmarried
- Religion: Protestant
Table of Contents
Choi Daniel’s Biography A to Z
Choi Daniel’s early life was marked by personal challenges. His mother passed away when he was five, and his family faced financial difficulties after his father’s business went bankrupt. He was sent to live with his aunt while his father and older brother lived elsewhere. Choi Daniel attended Seoul Shinam Elementary School, Shinam Middle School, and Kwangmun High School, and briefly studied at Chungwoon University’s Broadcasting and Acting Department before dropping out.
Choi Daniel is known for his warm personality and approachable image. He is unmarried and has spoken about the influence of his family background on his acting and personal life. His hobbies include reading, music, and travel. He is also active in radio and voice work, and has participated in various commercials and music videos.
Choi Daniel’s notable awards include the Excellence Award at the KBS Drama Awards for Baby Faced Beauty (동안미녀 2011), Best Actor in a One-act Drama/Special for Waiting for Love (2013), and multiple Best Couple and Netizen Awards for Jugglers (저글러스) and The Ghost Detective (손 the guest 2018). He was also nominated for Best New Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards, Blue Dragon Film Awards, and Grand Bell Awards for his early work.
In summary, Choi Daniel is a respected and versatile actor in South Korea, admired for his acting skills, radio hosting, and down-to-earth personality. He continues to be active in both dramas and films, with a dedicated fan base both domestically and internationally.
Choi Daniel Filmography (Top Works)
High Kick Through the Roof (2009): He played the role of Lee Ji-hoon in a family-centered sitcom. He is an intelligent medical student but has a dodgy side and has a 24.8 percent audience rating. “JI HOON, you’re the best!” became a buzzword.
Beauty with a Child (2011): She played the role of Choi Jin-wook in the story of the growth of a woman aiming to become a fashion designer. The romance with Jang Na-ra became a hot topic and recorded 17.3 percent viewership.
School 2013 (2013): I played the role of Kang Se-chan in a drama about the conflict between high school students and teachers. The warm image of the teacher was well received, and the audience rating was 15.2%.
Jugglers (저글러스 2017) : a suspenseful drama. Acting as Nam Chi-won. Highly acclaimed for her performance that combines suspense and action. Great line, “Truth is always one”.
Detective of the Day (2018): He played the role of Lee Dyle in the mystery story of a ghost detective. Mysterious acting attracted attention and recorded a 5.1 percent audience rating.
Today’s Webtoon (오 늘의 웹툰 2022): Work drama. Acting as Seok Jihyun. He played a strict but loving editor-in-chief and contributed to the quality improvement.
Movie Silano: The Manipulation of Love (2010): I played the role of Sang-woo in an agency story film that supports love. It attracted 2.7 million people at the box office.
Extraterritoriality (치외법권 2015): Action film. Acting as Jo Yumin. play the hot-blooded detective.
Solidarity of Evil (악의) 연대기 2015): A suspense film. Acting as Kim Jin Kyu. Performs a complicated role enthusiastically.
Beast (비스트 2019): A suspense film, playing the role of Yang Jung-chan. A detective who pursues the truth of the case. His famous line, “The truth is in the dark.”
Mask Girl (마스크걸 2023): Netflix original drama. Acting as Park Ki-hoon. He gained a new fan base by playing the characters around the main character who lives in a mask.
Awards and Recognitions
- KBS Drama Awards: Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries (Baby Faced Beauty, 2011); Best Actor in a One-act Drama/Special (Waiting for Love, 2013); Excellence Award and Best Couple Award (Jugglers, 2018)
- MBC Entertainment Awards: Best New Actor in a Sitcom/Comedy (High Kick Through the Roof!, 2009); Best Entertainer Award (Reality, Omniscient Interfering View, 2024)
- Baeksang Arts Awards: Nominated for Best New Actor – Television (High Kick Through the Roof!, 2010); Nominated for Best New Actor – Film (Cyrano Agency, 2011)
- Blue Dragon Film Awards: Nominated for Best New Actor (Cyrano Agency, 2010)
- Grand Bell Awards: Nominated for Best New Actor (The Traffickers, 2012)
- Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival: Fantasia Award (High Kick Through the Roof!, 2011)
Acting career
Dramas: Golden Apple (2005), High Kick Through the Roof! (2009–2010), Baby Faced Beauty (2011), School 2013 (2012–2013), Jugglers (2017), The Ghost Detective (2018), Today’s Webtoon (2022), Mask Girl (2023), My Sweet Mobster (2024), Sorry Not Sorry (2024)
Films: Cyrano Agency (2010), The Traffickers (2012), The Chronicles of Evil (2015), Untouchable Lawmen (2015), Sunny Day (2025)
Variety/Radio: KBS World Radio (since 2011), KBS 2FM Pops Pops (2013–2014), Running Man (guest/temporary member), Omniscient Interfering View (guest)
Commercials/Music Videos: Lotte Pepero, Everland, Naver, McDonald’s, SK Telecom, Cafe Bene, Zoo Coffee, Goodoc; Brown Eyed Soul – Love Ballad (2010), Wax – Coin Laundry (2014)
Choi Daniel Family
Choi Daniel was raised in Seoul and faced personal hardships after his mother’s death and his father’s business failure. He lived with his aunt during his childhood. His father attended a military academy, and his older brother is a civil servant. Choi Daniel is known for his humble background and strong work ethic. While his exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, he has enjoyed a successful career in acting, radio, and modeling, with numerous endorsements and leading roles in popular dramas and films.
Choi Daniel Marriage, Relationships, and Dating Stories
Choi Daniel has never been married before, and recently he developed an international relationship with Japanese actress Natsuho Takada on MBN’s love reality show 혼전연애 (Pre-Marriage Love) and became a big topic of conversation. In the program, she studied Japanese for Kaho, showed an aggressive approach on dating, and many viewers supported her natural physical contact and heartwarming interaction.
We have revealed that we are continuously in contact with Kaho even after the program ends, and expectations are high for fan meetings and future relationships in Japan. Rumors have swirled that she is dating Hwang Jung-eum, who was an outspoken co-star in High Kick. She confessed that she last experienced a serious relationship five years ago.
Recent News and Updates
In 2025, Choi Daniel starred in the film Sunny Day and continued to appear as a temporary member on the variety show Running Man. He remains active in the entertainment industry, balancing his acting career with radio and variety show appearances.
Choi Daniel is expected to continue his role as a temporary member on Running Man and is open to new acting projects. Fans anticipate his future roles in both dramas and films. He recently launched his own YouTube channel and is now active as a YouTuber as well.
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