[1][2][3] Choi was born in the neighborhood of Geumgok-dong [ko], Dong District, Incheon, Korea, Empire of Japan in 1940.

[5] Choi was the only son to his father Choi Cheol, a business man, and his mother Lee Myeong-suk who was a daughter of a royal pharmacist of the Korean Empire.

Choi moved to Seoul to attend Jungang Middle School.

Choi established directing experiences while at Seorabeol Art College (which has since merged into the now Chung-Ang University).

Choi was recruited as a KBS TV actor in 1976, and entered stardom with the role of Kim Jong-seo in the drama series, Prince Suyang.