Before becoming one of the most in-demand faces of Korean television, Choo Young-woo faced a long stretch of rejection — over 100 failed auditions in just two years. But his perseverance and passion have turned him into one of Korea’s most inspiring rising stars.
Rejected More Than 100 Times for “Bad Acting”
On the October 18 episode of You Quiz on the Block, Choo Young-woo surprised viewers with a brutally honest confession — he had been rejected from nearly every casting call in Korea between 2021 and 2022.
“I think I auditioned for almost every drama in Korea during that time. I failed all of them — at least 100,” he recalled.
The actor, born in 1999, said that when he looked back at his phone records, he realized he had received between 200 and 300 scripts, meaning he must have auditioned for more than 100 roles.
“I used to joke that maybe being rejected that much is a kind of talent in itself,” he laughed.
When hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho asked why he thought he failed so often, Choo Young-woo replied candidly: “I was so desperate to get a role that I was tense all the time. My acting wasn’t good enough back then.”
He revealed that some casting directors even doubted his credentials, questioning whether he truly studied acting at the Korea National University of Arts because his performances were so stiff.
“They told me, ‘You need to practice your expressions more. You need to speak with confidence.’ I remember every word. Those experiences became valuable lessons.”
He also shared a touching story about his father, who once urged him to find a stable job. “My dad told me, ‘If you can’t become an actor, our family isn’t wealthy — you need to make a living. Get a certificate at least.’ But I said, ‘I’ll act until I die. I don’t care even if I don’t make money.’”
“Once I started, there was no turning back,” he added firmly — a statement that deeply resonated with viewers.
From “Audition Reject” to Global Star
After years of struggle, Choo Young-woo finally made his debut in Police University (2021) and gained attention with School 2021. But it wasn’t until 2024–2025 that his career truly took off with standout roles in The Tale of Lady Ok and The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.
Within a single year, he appeared in four major dramas across genres — historical, medical, action, and psychological — all of which performed strongly on Netflix, Disney+, and Korean networks.
Once mocked for lacking “natural talent,” Choo Young-woo is now hailed as one of the most promising Gen Z actors in Korea. Viewers praise his expressive eyes, emotional depth, and humble determination.
An Inspiration for Dreamers
Choo Young-woo’s journey from “the actor nobody wanted” to a global breakout star is a story of persistence and self-belief. His success proves that in an industry driven by image and opportunity, hard work and patience can outshine luck.
“Once I began, there was no way back,” he said — a line that has now become a motto for dreamers everywhere.
From rejection to recognition, Choo Young-woo’s story is a testament to the idea that failure is not the end, but the beginning of success — especially for those who refuse to give up.
Sources: tvN,SBS
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