Choi Daniel (Korean: 최다니엘) is a South Korean actor, DJ, and model born on February 22, 1986, in Gangdong District, Seoul. His career began in 2003 when he modeled for a Lotte Pepero advertisement, and he made his acting debut in 2005 with a supporting role in the KBS drama Golden Apple (황금사과 2005). Choi Daniel quickly rose to prominence with his breakout role as Lee Ji Hoon in the popular sitcom High Kick Through the Roof! (지붕 뚫고 하이킥 2009–2010), which earned him widespread recognition and several award nominations for Best New Actor.
Choi Daniel is known for his versatility and natural on-screen presence. He gained further acclaim for his leading roles in dramas such as Baby Faced Beauty (동안미녀 2011), School 2013 (학교 2013 2012–2013), Jugglers (저글러스 2017), The Ghost Detective (손 the guest 2018), and Today’s Webtoon (오늘의 웹툰 2022). In School 2013 (학교 2013), he played Kang Se Chan, a strict but caring teacher, which solidified his status as a reliable leading man. Jugglers (저글러스) and The Ghost Detective (손 the guest) showcased his range in both romantic comedy and supernatural thriller genres, earning him Best Couple and Excellence Awards at the KBS Drama Awards.
In films, Choi Daniel made a strong impression with his lead role in Cyrano Agency (시라노; 연애조작단 2010), a romantic comedy about a matchmaking agency. He also starred in The Traffickers (밀정 2012), The Chronicles of Evil (악의 연대기 2015), and Untouchable Lawmen (2015), demonstrating his ability to handle action, thriller, and crime genres. His recent film Sunny Day (선니 데이 2025) has been well-received, further expanding his filmography.
Choi Daniel is also recognized for his work as a DJ and radio host. He has served as an anchorman on KBS World Radio since 2011 and hosted music programs on KBS 2FM, including Choi Daniel’s Pops Pops (2013–2014). He has made frequent guest appearances on variety shows such as Running Man (as a guest and temporary member), Knowing Bros, and Omniscient Interfering View, where he won the Best Entertainer Award (Reality) in 2024.
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)
Choi Daniel made his acting debut in the KBS drama Golden Apple (황금사과 2005), playing Officer Jang, a supporting role that introduced him to television audiences. His breakthrough came with the sitcom High Kick Through the Roof! (지붕 뚫고 하이킥 2009–2010), where he played Lee Ji Hoon, a charming and comedic character that endeared him to viewers and earned him several Best New Actor nominations.
In Baby Faced Beauty (동안미녀 2011), he portrayed Choi Jin Wook, a talented designer who develops a romantic relationship with the protagonist. The drama was praised for its lighthearted tone and Choi Daniel’s chemistry with his co-stars. School 2013 (학교 2013 2012–2013) saw him take on the role of Kang Se Chan, a strict but caring teacher, which further established him as a leading actor.
Jugglers (저글러스 2017) featured Choi Daniel as Nam Chi Won, a demanding but kind-hearted office manager. His performance earned him the Excellence Award and Best Couple Award at the KBS Drama Awards. In The Ghost Detective (손 the guest 2018), he played Lee Da Il, a detective investigating supernatural cases, showcasing his versatility in both comedy and thriller genres.
Choi Daniel’s film career includes notable roles in Cyrano Agency (시라노; 연애조작단 2010), where he played Sang Yong, a member of a matchmaking agency; The Traffickers (밀정 2012), as Sang Ho, a man caught in a human trafficking scheme; and The Chronicles of Evil (악의 연대기 2015), as a police officer involved in a complex investigation. His recent film Sunny Day (선니 데이 2025) features him in a lead role, further demonstrating his range as an actor.
Choi Daniel has also made special appearances in popular dramas such as It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (사이코지만 괜찮아 2020), Mask Girl (마스크걸 2023), and My Sweet Mobster (내 사랑 마피아 2024), as well as regular and guest roles in variety shows like Running Man and Omniscient Interfering View.
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 is currently unmarried. He has kept his personal life private and has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. He is known for his friendly and approachable personality both on and off screen.
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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