Choi Hyun Wook

Who Is Choi Hyun-wook?

Choi Hyun-wook (Korean: 최현욱; born January 30, 2002) is a South Korean actor under Gold Medalist.

Since making his acting debut in 2019, Choi has skyrocketed to fame with fan-favorite roles in Racket Boys, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Weak Hero Class 1, Twinkling Watermelon, and My Dearest Nemesis.

Furthermore, he has recently expanded into film with the Netflix movie Mantis (2025) and is set to star in two major upcoming projects — the Disney+ period drama Portraits of Delusion and the Netflix thriller drama Notes from the Last Row.

Early Life: From the Baseball Field to the Acting Stage

Born in Incheon, South Korea

Choi Hyun-wook was born on January 30, 2002, in Incheon, South Korea. During his childhood, he played baseball for ten years.

An Injury That Changed Everything

In his first year of high school, he sustained an elbow injury and underwent surgery and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, it did not improve his condition.

Despite surgery and rehabilitation efforts, his condition didn’t improve, leading him to reconsider his career path. He made a bold decision to leave Gangneung High School, along with his position on the baseball team, and transitioned to Hanlim Multi Art School’s Broadcasting and Entertainment Department.

It was a difficult choice. However, it turned out to be the best decision of his life. He later reflected on this pivotal moment, saying: “From a baseball player to an actor, I don’t regret my choice.”

Education at Hanlim Multi Art School

Choi Hyun-wook graduated from Hanlim Multi Arts School in 2019. Hanlim Multi Art School is one of South Korea’s most prestigious performing arts high schools. It has produced many celebrated Korean actors, idols, and entertainers. Graduating from this institution gave Choi a strong foundation in performance and an early network in the Korean entertainment industry.

Career Journey: A Star Built Role by Role

Debut: Real:Time:Love (2019)

Choi Hyun-wook made his acting debut in 2019 through the web series Real:Time:Love. He played the character Moon Ye-chan in this debut role.

Pop Out Boy! (2020)

On March 23, 2020, Gold Medalist confirmed that Choi had been cast for the web drama Pop Out Boy!, based on the popular webtoon of the same name. The series began filming the following month and started airing on June 25.

Breakthrough Year: Taxi Driver and Racket Boys (2021)

2021 was the year Choi Hyun-wook stepped into the national spotlight.

In 2021, he played a minor role in the SBS crime thriller Taxi Driver. That same year, he became part of the main cast of the SBS sports drama Racket Boys, which won him Best New Actor at the SBS Drama Awards.

Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022): A National Favourite

He gained more recognition after appearing in Twenty-Five Twenty-One in 2022. In this beloved tvN drama, he played Moon Ji-woong — a cheerful, loyal friend whose warmth resonated deeply with audiences.

His performance earned him nominations at the Baeksang Arts Awards for Best New Actor in Television, the Asia Contents Awards for New Comer – Actor, and the APAN Star Awards for Best New Actor.

He was no longer just a rising star. He was a name audiences actively searched for.

Weak Hero Class 1 (2022): Ahn Su-ho — His Defining Role

In November 2022, he played Ahn Su-ho in the drama adapted from a webtoon, Weak Hero Class 1.

This performance was electrifying. Ahn Su-ho is a charismatic, street-smart high school student. The role demanded physical intensity, emotional depth, and impeccable screen presence. Choi delivered all three.

The performance earned him the Whynot Award at the 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards in 2023. Additionally, it earned him the Brand Customer Loyalty Award for Best New Actor in 2022.

In May 2025, he reprised his role as Ahn Su-ho in the second season of Weak Hero as a guest appearance.

D.P. Season 2 (2023): Expanding Into Intense Drama

In 2023, Choi starred in the second season of D.P. — Netflix’s critically acclaimed military drama. This role pushed him into grittier, more emotionally demanding territory. It demonstrated that his acting range extended well beyond youth dramas.

Twinkling Watermelon (2023): The Band Boy With a Big Heart

He returned to a more vibrant and energetic role as Ha Yi-chan in the tvN drama Twinkling Watermelon. Playing a spirited band boy, he once again impressed audiences with his engaging performance and strong chemistry with his co-stars, particularly his bromance with Ryeoun and romantic moments with Shin Eun-soo.

Choi Hyun-wook plays Ha I-Chan in this coming-of-age fantasy romance comedy drama Twinkling Watermelon. The show became a massive audience favourite, and his portrayal of the energetic, lovable Yi-chan won millions of new fans.

High Cookie / Hi Cookie (2023)

Also in 2023, Choi starred in the web series High Cookie, playing Seo Ho-soo. His performance earned him a nomination for Best New Actor at the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards in 2024.

First Lead Role: My Dearest Nemesis (2025)

In 2025, he starred in the romantic comedy series My Dearest Nemesis with Moon Ga-young, playing the character Ban Joo-yeon.

This was a milestone. It was his first solo lead role in a full-length drama series. He won millions of hearts with his performance alongside Moon Ga-young.

The drama became a leading Korean drama on three Asian content streamers. It proved that Choi Hyun-wook could anchor a drama on his own — and deliver.

Mantis (2025): Big-Screen Debut

That same year, Choi starred in his first film role in the Netflix film Mantis, playing the character Benjamin Jo.

This move into film marked another important step in his career. He is not limiting himself to television. He is building a career that spans every screen.

Upcoming Projects: The Biggest Chapter Yet

Notes from the Last Row (Netflix, 2026)

Notes from the Last Row was released on Netflix on June 26, 2026. Choi Hyun-wook stars as Lee Kang, opposite veteran actor Choi Min-sik.

The series explores the evolving relationship between a once-promising writer who now leads a quiet life as a grumpy literature professor and his student. The story centers around literature, mentorship, and hidden ambition.

Choi Hyun-wook stated that principal photography concluded in October 2025. Sharing the screen with Choi Min-sik — one of South Korea’s most legendary actors — signals just how far Choi Hyun-wook has come.

Portraits of Delusion (Disney+, 2026)

Portraits of Delusion is a fantasy mystery period drama produced as a 12-episode series. It is scheduled to be released on Disney+ in the second half of 2026.

The drama is set during the Japanese colonial era. Choi Hyun-wook’s specific role is currently being kept under wraps.

Dead-End Job (Netflix, 2026)

He is also set to appear in Dead-End Job on Netflix in 2026. His slate of upcoming projects confirms that he has fully arrived as one of South Korea’s most sought-after young actors.

Personal Life: Grounded and Focused

Choi Hyun-wook keeps his personal life largely private. He was born and raised in Incheon — a city known for its strong community spirit and connection to Korean cultural identity.

His parents remain out of the public spotlight. He has not publicly confirmed a romantic relationship. Instead, he consistently directs attention back to his craft.

Complete Filmography

Television Series

Year	Title	Character	Network	Role
2019–2021	Real:Time:Love	Moon Ye-chan	Web	Lead
2020	Pop Out Boy!	—	Web	Supporting
2021	Taxi Driver	Park Seung-tae	SBS	Supporting
2021	Racket Boys	Na Woo-chan	SBS	Main
2021	Jirisan	Lim Cheol-kyeong	tvN	Guest
2021	The King’s Affection	Royal Tutor	KBS2	Supporting
2021–2023	D.P. (Seasons 1–2)	—	Netflix	Supporting
2022	Twenty-Five Twenty-One	Moon Ji-woong	tvN	Supporting
2022–2025	Weak Hero Class 1 & 2	Ahn Su-ho	Wavve / Disney+	Main / Guest
2023	Twinkling Watermelon	Ha Yi-chan	tvN	Main
2023	High Cookie (Hi Cookie)	Seo Ho-soo	Web	Main
2025	My Dearest Nemesis	Ban Joo-yeon	tvN	Lead
2026	Notes from the Last Row	Lee Kang	Netflix	Lead
2026	Portraits of Delusion	TBA	Disney+	Main
2026	Dead-End Job	—	Netflix	Main

Film

Year	Title	Character	Platform
2025	Mantis	Benjamin Jo	Netflix
2025	Good News	Passenger	—

Awards and Nominations

Year	Award	Category	Project	Result
2021	SBS Drama Awards	Best New Actor	Racket Boys / Taxi Driver	Won
2022	Brand Customer Loyalty Award	Best New Actor	Himself	Won
2022	Baeksang Arts Awards	Best New Actor – Television	Twenty-Five Twenty-One	Nominated
2022	Asia Contents Awards	New Comer – Actor	Twenty-Five Twenty-One	Nominated
2022	APAN Star Awards	Best New Actor	Racket Boys / Twenty-Five Twenty-One	Nominated
2023	Blue Dragon Series Awards (2nd)	Whynot Award	Weak Hero Class 1	Won
2024	Blue Dragon Series Awards (3rd)	Best New Actor	High Cookie	Nominated