Choi Yeon-cheong opens up on 3M TikTok fame and her cancer comeback
On Knowing Bros, Choi Yeon-cheong reflects on China viral fame, thyroid cancer, her 2023 marriage and welcoming a son in 2025.
Actress Choi Yeon-cheong shared her honest recent status along with her glamorous career history. Appearing as a transfer student on the JTBC variety program 'Knowing Bros' aired on the 8th, Choi Yeon-cheong candidly revealed her acting career since her child actor days, her popularity in China, and her recent marriage news.
3 Million TikTok Followers, the 'Gyulyang Challenge' That Captured China
Having gained fame as a child model since the age of 2 and known as the 'Child Chunhyang,' Choi Yeon-cheong drew attention after being selected as Miss Korea Jeonbuk Sun in 2013. Later, as her activities in Korea hit a plateau, she turned her eyes toward China, where she established a unique position by becoming the first Korean to sign an exclusive contract with a large Chinese agency. In particular, the 'Gyulyang Challenge' using a candy gun triggered an explosive response in China, and Kim Shin-young introduced her as a star with 3 million TikTok followers.
"I Neglected Acting Practice" A Spicy Self-Deprecation
Choi Yeon-cheong also honestly confessed to past mistakes. Recalling the days when she was riding high after appearing in Super Junior's music video 'Magic,' she said, "I thought being pretty would be enough, so I played around a bit and didn't practice acting," which drew laughter from the cast as she shared her experience of failing auditions consecutively because of this.
Overcoming Thyroid Cancer to Share News of Marriage and Childbirth
Behind the glamorous exterior, there were also trials. Choi Yeon-cheong, a graduate of Korean traditional music, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2020 while preparing to resume activities in Korea. Due to this, she had to take a two-year hiatus, but she stood up again after enduring her battle with the illness.
Having overcome the disease, she married a sitting judge in June 2023. Choi Yeon-cheong revealed that she has a son born in 2025. She further mentioned her family background, noting that her father is a former judge and that her family includes legal professionals, members of the National Assembly, and media representatives.
On this broadcast, Hong Jin-Ho, Park Ji Min, and Heo Sung-beom also appeared to engage in a battle of wits. In particular, Heo Sung-beom drew attention by solving problems with quick judgment.
