Choi was one of popular actors of the 1960s along with Shin Young-kyun and Kim Jin-kyu.
[2] Choi gained a popularity for his handsome appearance and masculine image.
Choi's personal life was as much dramatic as his starred films, so he always garnered the public attention.
1952, Choi married a colleague actress, Kang Hyo-shil, the daughter of a noted actress, Jeon Ok with the nickname, "Queen of Tears" and a singer Gang Hong-sik.
Choi soon married Kim Ji-mee, but he owed massive debts due to his failed film production.