Choi Hyun-Wook is a 23-year-old South Korean actor who has rapidly become one of the most recognizable faces in K-dramas. Born on January 30, 2002, he stands at 181 cm and is represented by the agency Gold Medalist. Known as the “Nation’s Boyfriend,” he has earned acclaim for his performances in coming-of-age, action, and sports genres.
His journey from a dedicated baseball player to a sought-after actor is a story of resilience. After an elbow injury ended his athletic career, he turned to acting, making his debut in 2019. Today, his filmography includes hit series like *Twenty-Five Twenty-One* and *Twinkling Watermelon*, and he is currently starring in the Netflix thriller *Notes from the Last Row* alongside veteran actor Choi Min-sik.
This article provides a comprehensive look at his biography, filmography, latest news, and personal details, all based on verified sources.
Who Is Choi Hyun-Wook? Age, Background, and Personal Life
Key Facts at a Glance
- Birthdate: January 30, 2002
- Height: 181 cm (5′ 11¼″)
- Instagram: @_choiiii__
- Debut: *Real:Time:Love* (2019 web drama)
Key Insights
- Choi Hyun-Wook was born in 2002 and is one of the rising young actors in K-dramas.
- He gained widespread recognition through his role in *Twenty-Five Twenty-One* and *Twinkling Watermelon*.
- He has a strong international following, with over 9 million followers on Instagram.
- Veteran actor Choi Min-sik praised his acting in the 2025 Netflix drama *Notes from the Last Row*.
- He has not publicly discussed a wife or relationship; most sources confirm he is not married.
- He was a baseball player for 10 years before an elbow injury led him to acting.
- He graduated from Hanlim Multi Arts School in 2019.
Biographical Snapshot
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Choi Hyun-Wook |
| Hangul | 최현욱 |
| Born | January 30, 2002, South Korea |
| Height | 181 cm |
| @_choiiii__ | |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 2020–present |
| Notable Works | *Twenty-Five Twenty-One*, *Twinkling Watermelon*, *Weak Hero Class 1*, *High Cookie* |
| Agency | Gold Medalist |
| Nickname | Nation’s Boyfriend |
What Are Choi Hyun-Wook’s Most Famous Dramas and Movies?
Major TV Dramas
Choi has appeared in 14 dramas and 2 movies between 2019 and 2025, with several upcoming projects in 2026. His most notable roles include Moon Ji-woong in *Twenty-Five Twenty-One*, Ha I-chan in *Twinkling Watermelon*, and Ahn Su-ho in *Weak Hero Class 1*.
| Year | Title | Role | Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | *Real:Time:Love* (Seasons 1–4) | Main | Web Drama | – |
| 2020 | *Pop Out Boy* | Support | Web Drama | – |
| 2021 | *Taxi Driver* | Guest | SBS Drama | – |
| 2021 | *Racket Boys* | Main (Ok Kyung-soo) | SBS Drama | – |
| 2021 | *Yurian* | Guest | Drama | – |
| 2021 | *Weak Hero Class 1* | Main (Ahn Su-ho) | Video Drama | 8.4 |
| 2022 | *Twenty-Five Twenty-One* | Main (Moon Ji-woong) | KBS Drama | 8.8 |
| 2023 | *D.P. Season 2* | Guest (Sin A-wi) | Netflix Drama | 8.7 |
| 2023 | *Twinkling Watermelon* | Main (Ha I-chan) | Netflix Drama | 9.2 |
| 2023 | *High Cookie* | Main (Seo Ho-su) | KBS Drama | 7.3 |
| 2025 | *My Dearest Nemesis* | Main (Ban Ju-yeon) | Disney+ Drama | 8.1 |
| 2025 | *Weak Hero Class 2* | Guest (Ahn Su-ho) | Video Drama | 8.8 |
| 2026 | *Notes from the Last Row* | Main (Lee Gang) | Netflix Drama | Upcoming |
| 2026 | *Portraits of Delusion* | Main | Disney+ Drama | Upcoming |
| 2026 | *Delusion* | Support | tvN Drama | Upcoming |
Movies
| Year | Title | Role | Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | *Mantis* | Benjamin Jo | Supporting | 0.0 (Unreleased/Upcoming) |
| 2025 | *Good News* | Passenger | Cameo | – |
Despite frequent searches linking Choi Hyun-Wook to *All of Us Are Dead*, he does not appear in that series. His most popular Netflix roles are in *Twinkling Watermelon* and *Twenty-Five Twenty-One*.
What Is Choi Hyun-Wook’s Newest Drama and Latest News?
Netflix Thriller: *Notes from the Last Row*
In June 2026, Choi began starring in the Netflix original thriller *Notes from the Last Row* opposite legendary actor Choi Min-sik. Early reports indicate that Choi received significant praise for his ability to hold his own alongside the veteran star, marking a major career milestone.
Upcoming Disney+ Period Drama: *Portraits of Delusion*
Choi is set to star in this upcoming period drama, also known as *Delusion* in some listings. The project is expected to showcase a different side of his acting range.
Reality Show Appearance
In 2026, Choi appeared in the tvN reality show *Curtain Up, Class* with his *Twenty-Five Twenty-One* co-star Kim Tae-ri.
Film Debut: *Mantis*
He made his first feature film appearance in the Netflix film *Mantis* (2025), playing the character Benjamin Jo.
In 2021, Choi won the Best New Actor award at the SBS Drama Awards for his roles in *Racket Boys* and *Taxi Driver*.
What Is the Timeline of Choi Hyun-Wook’s Career?
- 2002 – Born on January 30 in South Korea.
- 2019 – Graduated from Hanlim Multi Arts School.
- 2019 – Made acting debut in the web drama *Real:Time:Love*.
- 2021 – Won Best New Actor at SBS Drama Awards for *Racket Boys* and *Taxi Driver*.
- 2022 – Starred in *Twenty-Five Twenty-One*, gaining widespread fame.
- 2023 – Featured in *Twinkling Watermelon*, which earned a rating of 9.2.
- 2025 – First film role in *Mantis*; appeared in *My Dearest Nemesis* and *Weak Hero Class 2*.
- 2026 – Starred in *Notes from the Last Row* and received praise from Choi Min-sik.
What Is Known and Unknown About Choi Hyun-Wook’s Personal Life?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| He is not married; there is no public record of a wife. | No verified statements about past or current relationships. |
| His height is 181 cm (5′ 11¼″). | Blood type is not listed in official profiles. |
| He graduated from Hanlim Multi Arts School in 2019. | Future projects beyond *Notes from the Last Row* and *Portraits of Delusion* are not officially confirmed. |
| He played baseball for 10 years before an elbow injury. | Details about his family are not publicly shared. |
What Is the Significance of Choi Hyun-Wook’s Rise in K-Dramas?
Choi Hyun-Wook is part of the 2000s generation of K-drama actors who broke out with high-school-themed hits. His role in *Twenty-Five Twenty-One* showcased his versatility in romance, while *Twinkling Watermelon* proved his ability to handle fantasy elements. The recent endorsement from Choi Min-sik, a legendary actor, signals his rising reputation in the industry. His social media following of over 9 million on Instagram reflects strong international fandom.
What Are the Sources for Information About Choi Hyun-Wook?
“Veteran actor reflects on junior’s talent in ‘Notes from the Last Row,’ questioning his own early career.”
– The Chosun Ilbo, July 2026
“Choi Hyun-wook (Korean: 최현욱; born January 30, 2002) is a South Korean actor.”
– Wikipedia
Additional reliable sources include his Wikipedia page, IMDb profile, AsianWiki, and the Chosun Ilbo article on Choi Min-sik’s praise.
What Is the Key Takeaway About Choi Hyun-Wook?
Choi Hyun-Wook is a rapidly rising South Korean actor whose career trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. From overcoming a sports injury to earning praise from industry legends, he has built a diverse filmography across Netflix, Disney+, and Korean networks. For the most up-to-date information, follow his official Instagram account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Choi Hyun-Wook married?
There is no confirmed information about a wife or marriage. He has not publicly discussed his relationship status.
How tall is Choi Hyun-Wook?
He is 181 cm tall (approximately 5’11”).
What is Choi Hyun-Wook’s most popular role?
He is best known for playing Moon Ji-woong in *Twenty-Five Twenty-One* and Ha I-chan in *Twinkling Watermelon*.
Is Choi Hyun-Wook on Netflix?
Yes, he appears in Netflix productions *Twinkling Watermelon*, *D.P. Season 2*, and *Notes from the Last Row*.
What is Choi Hyun-Wook’s Instagram handle?
His Instagram handle is @_choiiii__.
What is Choi Hyun-Wook’s new drama?
As of mid-2026, his latest drama is *Notes from the Last Row* on Netflix.
Does Choi Hyun-Wook appear in All of Us Are Dead?
No, he is not in *All of Us Are Dead*. That is a common misconception.
What is Choi Hyun-Wook’s height?
He is 181 cm (5’11¼”).
What agency represents Choi Hyun-Wook?
He is under the agency Gold Medalist.
What awards has Choi Hyun-Wook won?
He won the Best New Actor award at the 2021 SBS Drama Awards for *Racket Boys* and *Taxi Driver*.
Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering culture, entertainment, lifestyle, events, media trends and consumer features.