Personal Details :
- Full Name: Choi Soo-young (최수영)
- Stage Name: Sooyoung (수영)
- Date of Birth: February 10, 1990 (age 35)
- Birthplace: Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
- Height: 170 cm (5′7″)
- Weight: Approximately 48–49 kg (105–108 lbs)
- Blood Type: O
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Education: Jungshin Women’s High School; Chung-Ang University (Film & Theatre)
- Occupations: Singer, Actress, Songwriter
- Instruments: Vocals, Piano, Drums, Guitar
- Years Active: 2002–present
- Labels & Agencies: SM Entertainment (until 2017), Echo Global Group, Saram Entertainment
- Group Affiliation: Girls’ Generation; Route 0 (former)
- Partner: Jung Kyung-ho (since 2013)
- Siblings: Choi Soo-jin (older sister, musical actress)
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @sooyoungchoi
- Twitter: @sychoiofficial
- YouTube: Sooyoung Choi
- Weibo: @sooyoungchoi
Career Overview :
Choi Soo-young began her entertainment journey after winning the 2002 Korea–Japan Ultra Idol Duo Audition. She debuted in Japan as part of the duo “Route 0,” releasing three singles before the group disbanded in 2003.
Sooyoung returned to South Korea and rejoined SM Entertainment, eventually debuting with Girls’ Generation in August 2007. As a supporting vocalist, lead rapper, and lead dancer, she contributed to the group’s success with hit singles like “Into the New World,” “Gee,” and “Kissing You.”
She simultaneously began to build a career in acting, starring in dramas such as Unstoppable Marriage (2007), The Third Hospital (2012), Dating Agency: Cyrano (2013), My Spring Days (2014), Squad 38 (2016), Man in the Kitchen (2017–2018), Tell Me What You Saw (2020), Run On (2021), So I Married the Anti-fan (2021), If You Wish Upon Me (2022), and Not Others (2023). She also appeared in films such as Memories of a Dead End and Miss & Mrs. Cops.
As a songwriter, Sooyoung has contributed lyrics to Girls’ Generation songs including “How Great Is Your Love?”, “What Do I Do,” “Sailing (0805),” and “Baby Maybe.”
In 2017, Sooyoung left SM Entertainment while remaining an active member of Girls’ Generation. She later signed with Echo Global Group, and eventually joined Saram Entertainment in 2019 to focus on her acting career.
She released her first digital solo single, “Winter Breath,” in December 2018, and made her solo debut in Japan in 2024 with the maxi single Unstoppable.
Sooyoung has also served as host for various programs and award shows, including Midnight TV Entertainment, Style Follow, the Seoul Music Awards, and the Gaon Chart Music Awards. She continues to balance her pursuits in acting, music, and hosting across both Korean and international platforms.
Personal Life & Interests :
Sooyoung is known for her warm and down-to-earth personality. She has been in a long-term relationship with actor Jung Kyung‑ho since 2013, often sharing supportive moments in public and through her social media.
Apart from her busy entertainment career, she enjoys traveling, watching films, and reading. She has also shown interest in animal welfare and occasionally participates in charity events supporting rescued animals.
With a background in songwriting and acting, Sooyoung values creative expression and often spends her free time writing lyrics, exploring new roles, or refining her skills in music and performance.
Net Worth :
As of 2025, Sooyoung’s estimated net worth is approximately $10–12 million USD.
- Estimated around $10 million, making her one of the wealthiest members of Girls’ Generation.
- Her net worth may reach up to $12 million when including income from acting, songwriting, endorsements, and real estate.
- Some estimates go as high as $13 million, considering all entertainment and business ventures.
Her income sources include:
- Music activities through Girls’ Generation, including albums, concerts, and tours.
- Lead roles in popular television dramas and films, with high per-episode acting fees.
- Songwriting credits for various K-pop songs.
- Hosting, YouTube content, and digital appearances.
- Brand endorsements and property investments, particularly in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
Awards & Achievements :
- Best New Actress – *You’re Beautiful* OST (2009)
- Excellence Award – Drama for *My Spring Days* (2015)
- Best Supporting Actress – *Dating Agency: Cyrano* (2014)
- Top Excellence Award – Special Project Drama for *Man in the Kitchen* (2018)
- Popularity Award – *Tell Me What You Saw* (2020)
- Best Couple Award – *Dating Agency: Cyrano* (paired with Seo Hyun-jin, 2014)
- Variety Presenter Award – *Style Follow* (2019)
Fun Facts :
- Sooyoung was a member of the Japanese duo “Route 0” before debuting with Girls’ Generation.
- She is known among fans for her outgoing personality and excellent comedic timing.
- Sooyoung has written lyrics for several Girls’ Generation songs, showcasing her musical talent beyond performing.
- She is an animal lover and has actively participated in animal rescue and welfare activities.
- Sooyoung is skilled in taekwondo and often surprises fans with her martial arts moves.
- She has a close friendship with fellow Girls’ Generation member Taeyeon, often supporting each other publicly.
- Sooyoung is fluent in Japanese, Korean, and English, reflecting her international career.