Choi Soo-young

Choi Soo-young, known professionally as Sooyoung, is a South Korean singer, actor, and songwriter. A member of the iconic girl group Girls' Generation, she has also built a substantial acting career spanning over a decade.

As of 2026, Sooyoung remains a prominent figure in Korean entertainment, balancing her work in music and acting. She is known for her tall stature, versatile performances, and longevity in the industry, having been active since her pre-teen years.

Her recent projects include the film Ok! Madam: Bon Voyage and the theatrical production The Merchant of Venice, showcasing her range as a performer. [edit]

Sooyoung was born in Seoul, South Korea, on February 10, 1990. Her journey in entertainment began at an unusually young age. In 2002, at just 12, she debuted in Japan as part of the duo Route 0, a J-pop project under the label Yoshimoto R and C. This early experience gave her a unique foundation in the industry before she ever set foot in the Korean entertainment world.

After Route 0's activities concluded, she returned to South Korea and joined SM Entertainment as a trainee. She trained alongside other future Girls' Generation members, honing her singing and dancing skills. Her pre-debut years were marked by intense preparation, setting the stage for her eventual debut with the group in 2007. [edit]

Sooyoung debuted as a member of Girls' Generation on August 5, 2007, with the single "Into the New World." The group quickly rose to become one of South Korea's most successful music acts, achieving massive domestic and international success.

Beyond music, Sooyoung pursued acting. Her first significant solo role came in 2012 with the medical drama The Third Hospital. She followed with leading roles in My Spring Days (2014), Squad 38 (2016), Run On (2021), So I Married the Anti-fan (2021), If You Wish Upon Me (2022), and Not Others (2023).

In 2025, she appeared in the film Ballerina. In 2026, she took on the role of Anya in the action-comedy sequel Ok! Madam: Bon Voyage, released on August 12. She also performed in the theatrical production The Merchant of Venice at the National Theater of Seoul from July 8 to August 9, 2026, and is involved in the musical Maybe Happy Ending. [edit]

Sooyoung is known for her tall stature, fashion sense, and versatility as both a singer and actor. Her media portrayal emphasizes her professionalism and longevity in the industry. As an individual, she has a warm and promotional social media presence, sharing behind-the-scenes content from her projects. Fans appreciate her dedication and her ability to balance multiple careers. [edit]

Choi Soo-young stands as a towering figure in Korean entertainment, her career spanning three decades of active work since her debut at age twelve. Her presence is not merely local; she commands global attention with a specific gravity that places her among the most recognized names in her field. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, she is the 100th most famous person in South Korea, holding steady from the previous cycle. This standing extends beyond her borders, marking her as the 92nd most famous person from South Korea on the world stage, also holding steady. Perhaps most surprisingly for an idol known primarily for K-pop and acting, she holds the distinction of being the 12th most famous person in J-Pop / J-Rock, holding steady. These placements reflect a broad spectrum of public engagement tracked across media coverage and consumption signals worldwide. While her group Girls' Generation enjoys the collective fame of SONE, Soo-young's individual fanbase operates without a formal, documented name. Fans have shown deep emotional investment during pivotal moments, such as the stunning announcement of her 14-year relationship ending in June 2026. Recent support poured in during her August 2026 performances in The Merchant of Venice, with colleagues like Byun Yo-han and Tiffany Young attending to show solidarity. The audience remains fiercely loyal, reacting viscerally to her personal life shifts while celebrating her professional reinventions, from villainous roles in Ok! Madam: Bon Voyage to Shakespearean drama.[edit]

Choi Soo-young debuted in the entertainment industry at age 12 in Japan, making her one of the few K-pop idols with pre-K-pop Japanese experience. Her older sister, Choi Soo-jin, is also an actress. She studied theater and film at Chung-Ang University, a prestigious institution for performing arts. As of 2026, she has been in the industry for 24 years, spanning three decades of active work. Her 14-year relationship with Jung Kyung-ho was one of the longest-running celebrity relationships in South Korean entertainment history before it ended in 2026. A major cultural moment occurred when the couple confirmed their split on June 9, 2026, leaving fans stunned by the end of a private romance that had lasted over a decade. Following the breakup, past comments by fellow idol Hyoyeon regarding marriage resurfaced, sparking widespread discussion among supporters. Another defining chapter unfolded in August 2026 when Soo-young starred in The Merchant of Venice. She concluded her role with a beautiful farewell, receiving high praise for her performance and support from peers. Simultaneously, she underwent a radical transformation in the film Ok! Madam: Bon Voyage, debuting as a villain with cool charisma that marked a significant shift in her acting portfolio.[edit]

Sooyoung's older sister, Choi Soo-jin, is an actress. Details about her parents are not widely publicized, but she has mentioned her family's support throughout her career. As of 2026, Sooyoung is single and has no children. She maintains a close bond with her Girls' Generation members, who have shown support by attending her theatrical performances. [edit]

Sooyoung is associated with her Girls' Generation members, particularly Lim Yoon-a and Tiffany Young, who visited her theater performance. Her ex-boyfriend of 14 years, actor Jung Kyung-ho, was a significant figure in her life. She has also worked with actors Uhm Jung-hwa and Park Sung-woong in Ok! Madam: Bon Voyage. [edit]

Sooyoung's only publicly confirmed long-term relationship was with actor Jung Kyung-ho. They began dating in 2012, and their relationship was publicly confirmed in January 2014. They were considered one of South Korea's most stable celebrity couples. However, on June 9, 2026, both agencies confirmed their breakup after 14 years together. As of August 2026, Sooyoung is reportedly single and focused on her career. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Sooyoung's net worth in 2026 at $25 Million. Her income stems from her long career with Girls' Generation, which included album sales, tours, and group endorsements. As a solo actress, she has earned from leading roles in numerous dramas and films. Additionally, she has been involved in endorsements and brand deals, and her recent theater and musical work adds to her earnings.[edit]

Sooyoung has received recognition for her acting, particularly for her roles in dramas such as My Spring Days and Run On. While specific solo award wins are not fully documented in available sources, her consistent work has earned her critical acclaim within the industry. [edit]