Choi Min-Young is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young actors, especially in the United States. With his charming looks, natural acting skills, and friendly personality, he’s capturing the hearts of fans around the world. His breakout role in Netflix’s XO, Kitty helped him rise to international fame, but there’s much more to know about this rising South Korean star.
Who Is Choi Min-Young?
Choi Min-Young is a talented South Korean actor born on October 9, 2002, in Seoul, South Korea. Despite being in the entertainment industry from a young age, he truly grabbed global attention in 2023 with his role as Dae in XO, Kitty, a Netflix spin-off of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise. His ability to blend warmth, humor, and emotional depth into his characters makes him stand out in the crowded world of young actors.
Min-Young started his acting journey when he was still a child, appearing in Korean dramas and short films. As he grew older, he took on more challenging roles, showing how versatile he can be. Many fans love his expressive eyes and honest way of acting. It’s not just about his looks—people are noticing his talent, and they’re excited to see what he’ll do next.
How Did Choi Min-Young Become Famous?
Choi Min-Young didn’t just become famous overnight. He worked hard for years before landing his breakthrough role. His career began with smaller roles in Korean dramas such as Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017), where he played the young version of the male lead. He also appeared in other K-dramas like Mr. Sunshine and Itaewon Class, where he built a name for himself by portraying younger versions of major characters.
What truly made him famous, however, was his role in XO, Kitty. This was his first major English-speaking role, and it introduced him to a global audience, especially in the United States. His natural charisma and authentic performance won over fans worldwide. Since then, he’s been featured in various interviews, magazine covers, and fan events, gaining popularity not just in Korea, but also in the U.S., Philippines, Indonesia, India, and beyond.
Choi Min-Young in XO, Kitty
XO, Kitty is a Netflix teen romance series that spun off from the popular To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before movies. In this series, Choi Min-Young plays Dae Heon Kim, the sweet and loyal boyfriend of the main character, Kitty Song Covey. His performance made fans fall in love with him instantly.
Why Fans Loved His Role
Fans loved Choi Min-Young’s role as Dae because he was relatable, kind, and charming. He wasn’t the typical “perfect” male lead. Instead, he was vulnerable and caring, which made him feel real. Viewers appreciated the emotional depth he brought to the role, especially when dealing with complicated relationships, friendships, and cultural expectations. His chemistry with co-star Anna Cathcart also helped make their scenes more believable and heartwarming.
Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes, Choi Min-Young showed his professional attitude and fun personality. In interviews, co-stars and directors often praised his work ethic and respectful behavior on set. He also learned to speak more English for the role, showing his dedication to reaching international audiences. Fans enjoyed watching behind-the-scenes clips and bloopers, where Min-Young’s playful side made everyone smile.
A Big Break in the U.S.
XO, Kitty was more than just another role for Choi Min-Young—it was his big break in the U.S. The show was a global hit, ranking in Netflix’s Top 10 in over 70 countries. After the release, his social media followers skyrocketed, and American fans began to recognize his name. This role opened doors for interviews with U.S. media outlets, making it clear that Choi Min-Young is ready for an international career.
Choi Min-Young’s Early Life and Family
Choi Min-Young grew up in Seoul in a supportive family that encouraged his dreams from a young age. While not much is publicly known about his parents and siblings, Min-Young has shared that his family was always proud of his interest in acting. As a child, he enjoyed performing in school plays and eventually joined an acting agency to train professionally.
He also balanced school and acting, which wasn’t always easy. He has mentioned in past interviews how he struggled to keep up with studies while working on set. Still, he believes these challenges made him stronger and more determined. His childhood was filled with learning, growth, and chasing dreams—something many young fans find inspiring.
Choi Min-Young’s Best Shows and Movies
Though Choi Min-Young is still early in his career, he has already been part of some popular TV shows and films. Here are some of his most notable projects:
- XO, Kitty (2023) – His breakout English-language role on Netflix.
- Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017) – Played young Ahn Min-hyuk.
- Mr. Sunshine (2018) – A small but impactful role as a younger version of a key character.
- Itaewon Class (2020) – Played young Jang Geun-won.
- Dream Palace (2023) – A Korean indie film that showcases his acting range.
- Because I Hate Korea (2023) – A drama film exploring deeper societal themes.
Each role helped him grow and learn something new. His performance in XO, Kitty showed how much he has matured as an actor, and fans are excited to see him in bigger roles soon.
Fun Facts About Choi Min-Young
There’s more to Choi Min-Young than just acting. He’s a normal young guy with hobbies, favorites, and big dreams. Fans love learning fun facts about him, which makes them feel even closer to the actor.
Favorite Hobbies
Choi Min-Young enjoys reading books, playing video games, and listening to music. He’s also said he likes to take long walks to relax and clear his mind. Sometimes he plays the piano and sings, showing off his musical side. When he’s not working, he likes to spend time with friends or watch movies and anime. His favorite genre? Action-comedy!
Favorite Foods
Like many young people, Choi Min-Young loves snacks and comfort food. Some of his favorite foods include:
- Kimchi Fried Rice – A Korean classic he often eats.
- Ramen – Especially spicy ramen.
- Burgers – He enjoys trying American-style burgers.
- Ice Cream – His go-to dessert, especially vanilla and cookies & cream.
He’s also open to trying new foods when he travels, which fans find adventurous and fun.
What’s Next for Choi Min-Young?
Choi Min-Young has a bright future ahead. While he hasn’t officially announced his next big role after XO, Kitty, there are rumors he might be cast in a new K-drama or even another Netflix series. His growing fanbase and positive reviews from critics mean more directors and producers are interested in working with him.
There’s also talk that he may explore music or modeling, as his visuals and charm suit both industries. Whatever he chooses to do, one thing is clear—Choi Min-Young is not slowing down anytime soon.
Choi Min-Young on Social Media
Choi Min-Young is active on social media and loves connecting with fans. You can find him on Instagram, where he shares behind-the-scenes photos, selfies, and updates about his life and work. His account has quickly gained hundreds of thousands of followers, especially after XO, Kitty. Fans appreciate how he interacts with them through comments, emojis, and captions in both Korean and English.
He doesn’t post every day, but when he does, it feels special. Whether it’s a simple photo with friends or a sneak peek from a photoshoot, fans love every post. If you’re a fan, following him on Instagram is a must!
The Bottom Line
Choi Min-Young is more than just a handsome face—he’s a hardworking, passionate actor with a bright future. From his early days in Korean dramas to his global breakthrough in XO, Kitty, he’s shown that talent and dedication go a long way. He’s already captured the hearts of fans in South Korea, the United States, and beyond, and he’s just getting started.
Whether you’re a longtime K-drama fan or someone new to Korean entertainment, Choi Min-Young is definitely an actor to watch. His journey so far has been inspiring, and the next few years promise even more exciting roles, fun content, and global fame.
