Choo Young Woo, the rising star who’s been dominating screens lately, surprised everyone during a recent interview when he broke down in tears while reminiscing about his early days. The actor, who’s riding high on the success of 'The Tale of Lady Ok' and Netflix’s 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,' shared a deeply personal story that revealed just how far he’s come—and how much his journey has shaped him.

“When I was studying at a cram school, there were around 200 students. They were all so talented, so confident—it felt like they were flying,” Choo recalled, his voice trembling. “I was scared. My family would ask how I was doing, and I’d lie, saying, ‘I’m doing great.’ I worked even harder to make that lie true. That time in my life, when I was pushing myself so hard, feels like my ‘beginning.’”

It’s rare to see an actor at the peak of their career show such vulnerability, but Choo’s emotional moment struck a chord. His recent back-to-back hits have made him one of the most talked-about names in the industry, yet he remains grounded, his passion for acting as fierce as ever.

The interview, held on February 4 at a café in Seoul’s upscale Cheongdam-dong, was meant to celebrate the finale of JTBC’s 'The Tale of Lady Ok.' But it turned into something much more poignant. This was Choo’s second major interview in just over a week, following one for 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call' on January 24. The fact that both projects have been massive successes—with The 'Tale of Lady Ok' wrapping up with a 13.6% viewership rating and 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call'topping Netflix’s non-English TV charts—only added to the buzz.

Choo, who played dual roles in 'The Tale of Lady Ok,' has quickly become one of the most promising actors of his generation. His ability to captivate audiences, whether in a historical drama or a gritty medical series, has solidified his status as a versatile and compelling performer.

But it was his raw honesty during the interview that left the biggest impression. As he spoke about the struggles he faced early in his career, his eyes welled up with tears. At one point, he had to pause and wipe his face with tissues, visibly moved by the memories. The room, filled with reporters, fell silent, touched by his sincerity.

“It hasn’t been an easy journey,” he admitted, his voice cracking. “But looking back, those tough times are what keep me grounded. They remind me why I started in the first place.”

Choo Young Woo’s rise to stardom is a testament to his talent and determination. But it’s moments like these—when he lets his guard down and shows the world the person behind the actor—that make him truly unforgettable. As he continues to take on new challenges, one thing’s for sure: his 'beginning' will always be a part of his story, driving him to reach even greater heights.

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