Choi Young-jae (born September 17, 1996), known professionally as Youngjae, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actor best recognized as the main vocalist of the boy band GOT7.[1]Youngjae was born in Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, and initially studied shipbuilding machinery at Mokpo Technical High School before moving to Seoul in 2012 to attend Korea Arts High School, from which he graduated in 2015. He later earned a bachelor's degree in modeling from Daekyung University.[2] Discovered by JYP Entertainment in 2013 through an audition, he trained for just seven months before debuting as part of GOT7 on January 16, 2014, during their first performance on Mnet's M! Countdown, with the group's mini album Got It? released on January 20.[3] As a key member of the seven-piece group, which blended hip-hop, R&B, and martial arts elements in their performances, Youngjae contributed to GOT7's global success, including multiple top-charting albums and world tours, until the group departed from JYP Entertainment in January 2021 while continuing activities independently.[3]Following GOT7's shift to independent promotions, Youngjae signed an exclusive contract with Sublime Artist Agency in January 2021 and made his solo debut on October 5 of that year with the mini album COLORS from Ars, featuring the lead single "Vibin'," which topped iTunes charts in numerous countries.[4] He released his first full-length album, Do It, in November 2023, and followed with the mini albumSUGAR in June 2022, showcasing his songwriting talents on tracks like "Hug Me" and "Soda."[5] In June 2024, he signed with the newly established AndBut Company to further his solo endeavors, including the 2025 Asia tour Fermata. In 2025, GOT7 made a comeback with the mini-album WINTER HEPTAGON.[6] Youngjae has also ventured into acting, appearing in supporting roles in dramas such as When My Love Blooms (2020) as Han Joon-bum and So I Married My Anti-Fan (2021) as himself, alongside web series like Dream Knight (2015).[7]In October 2025, AndBut Company announced that Youngjae would begin his mandatory military service as a social service worker on November 27, 2025, marking a temporary pause in his activities.[8]
Early life
Birth and family
Choi Young-jae was born on September 17, 1996, in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do, South Korea.[9][10]He is the youngest of three siblings in a close-knit family consisting of his parents, an older brother, and an older sister.[9][11][12]The family maintained a modest lifestyle with no prior ties to the entertainment industry.[9]During his early childhood, Young-jae developed an initial interest in singing through family interactions, particularly by singing alongside his older brother, which inspired his aspiration to pursue music.[10]
Education
Choi Young-jae attended Samhak Elementary School and Muntae Middle School in his hometown of Mokpo, Jeollanam-do, where he first displayed his musical talent through participation in school singing contests.[13] In 2011, during his middle school years, he won the Vocal Excellence Award at the Mokpo Youth Music Festival, highlighting his early vocal prowess.[14]Initially enrolled at Mokpo Technical High School studying shipbuilding machinery, Choi transferred in 2012 to Korean Arts High School in Seoul to focus on music, entering the Department of Music.[15] During his second year of high school, he began attending a music academy in Mokpo, where his skills caught the attention of JYP Entertainment scouts. In summer 2013, he passed a closed audition at the academy and joined JYP as a trainee, receiving intensive vocal and performance training from agency mentors over the next seven months.[16]Balancing his rigorous trainee schedule with academics at Korean Arts High School proved challenging, yet Choi graduated in February 2015, supported by his family's encouragement during this transitional period.[17]
Career
2013–2021: GOT7 debut and early activities
Choi Young-jae joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee in 2013 after passing a closed audition at his music academy in Mokpo, where he performed "Honey" by JYP artists Wonder Girls. After just one month of training in Seoul, he became the final member to join the pre-debut group that would become GOT7. The group officially debuted on January 20, 2014, with the mini album Got It?, featuring the lead single "Girls Girls Girls," with Young-jae positioned as the main vocalist.[18]GOT7's early years saw rapid expansion with a series of mini albums and full-length releases, including Got Love (2014), Identify (2014), Just Right (2015), the Flight Log trilogy—Departure (2016), Turbulence (2016), and Arrival (2017)—Present: You & Me (2018), and Call My Name (2019). These releases showcased the group's evolving sound, blending hip-hop, R&B, and pop, with Young-jae contributing his vocal prowess to tracks like "Just Right" and "Never Ever." The group achieved their first music show win in October 2015 for "If You Do" from the Mad EP on SBS MTV's The Show, marking a breakthrough in their domestic popularity.[19][20] Their first world tour, "Fly," launched in 2016, spanning Seoul, the U.S., China, Thailand, Singapore, and Japan, drawing over 100,000 fans across 20 shows. This was followed by the "Keep Spinning" world tour in 2019, which visited 20 cities including North America, Europe, and Asia, grossing $13.9 million and attracting more than 150,000 attendees.[21][22]GOT7 also focused on Japanese promotions, releasing multiple singles and albums such as Love Loop (2019) and forming subunits like JJ Project (featuring members JB and Jinyoung) for Japanese activities starting in 2017. Young-jae began exploring individual endeavors during this period, participating in the singing competition King of Mask Singer in February 2017 as "King of Toy Machines," where he performed covers of "Look Back at Me" by Deux and "I Will Go to You Like the First Snow" by Ailee, advancing to the second round.[23] He contributed to songwriting for the first time in 2016, co-writing "Rewind" on Flight Log: Departure, and continued with credits on later tracks like "Page" from Present: You (2018). In May 2020, Young-jae co-hosted MBC Radio's Idol Radio with DAY6's Young K, fulfilling his longtime dream of radio DJing; the season ran until September 2020 and featured guests from groups like WJSN and OH MY GIRL.[24]
2022: Departure from JYP and solo debut
Following the expiration of GOT7's contract with JYP Entertainment on January 19, 2021, the group announced their departure from the agency on January 11, allowing members to pursue individual paths while committing to continue group activities independently.[25] Despite the split, the members maintained collaborative efforts, culminating in their first independent group release, the self-titled EP GOT7, on May 23, 2022, through Warner Music Korea, which marked a new chapter free from agency ties.[26]Choi Young-jae signed an exclusive contract with the independent label Sublime Artist Agency on January 20, 2021, enabling him to focus on solo endeavors while supporting GOT7's ongoing promotions.[27] This transition paved the way for his solo debut with the EP Colors from Ars on October 4, 2021 (digital release October 5), featuring the title track "Vibin'" and exploring themes of self-discovery through a palette of emotional "colors" representing joy, loneliness, and growth.[28] The project drew from his early songwriting experiences during GOT7's tenure, where he contributed lyrics to tracks like those on Breath of Love: Last Piece.In 2022, Young-jae ramped up promotional activities for his debut, holding his first offline solo fan meeting, Nice to Meet Ars, in Bangkok on March 19, followed by a showcase and fancon titled Ars'tudio in Japan in Tokyo and Osaka on December 16 and 18.[29][30] The EP performed strongly, peaking at No. 6 on the Gaon Album Chart and topping iTunes Top Albums charts in 26 regions worldwide.[31] On June 21, 2022, he released his second mini album SUGAR, featuring the title track "Sugar"—a pop dance song likening addictive love to sugar—and other tracks like "Focus" and "With You," where he continued his songwriting efforts; the album topped iTunes charts in several countries.[32]
2023–2024: Full-length album and agency change
In March 2023, Choi released the digital single "Errr Day," a vibrant pop track emphasizing the joy and excitement found in everyday routines, serving as a pre-release for his upcoming full-length album.[33] The song, produced under his pseudonym Ars, featured upbeat rhythms and Choi's signature vocal delivery, highlighting his growing role in songwriting and composition.[34]On November 6, 2023, Choi debuted his first studio album, Do It, through Sublime Artist Agency, comprising 10 tracks that explore themes of empowerment and pursuing personal dreams amid daily challenges.[5] The title track, "Do It," served as the lead single, delivering an encouraging message to overcome hesitation and take action, with Choi contributing lyrics to all songs and music to nine under the Ars moniker.[5] The album debuted at number 23 on the Circle Album Chart, selling over 15,000 copies in its first month.[35] Earlier that year, Choi collaborated with broadcaster COCO on the full version of "Best Friend," a lighthearted track originally tied to his radio show, further showcasing his versatility in musical partnerships.[36]In April 2024, Choi parted ways with Sublime Artist Agency by mutual agreement, marking a transition in his solo career management. He signed an exclusive contract with the newly established AndBut Company in June 2024, reuniting with a former JYP Entertainment staff member who had supported him since his debut, allowing him to continue building on his artistic foundation.[37]Under his new agency, Choi made a comeback with the digital single "T.P.O" on July 9, 2024, an energetic dance-pop song acronymizing "Time, Place, Occasion" to celebrate seizing the perfect moment, such as a summer date.[38] The track, accompanied by a colorful music video and live performances, embodied a carpe diem spirit with groovy beats and Choi's dynamic vocals.[39] Later that year, he launched the 2024 YOUNGJAE ASIA TOUR 'Once in a Dream', performing in Tokyo on August 17, Bangkok on August 24–25, Hong Kong on September 7, and Seoul on September 21–22.[40] Throughout 2023 and 2024, he deepened his songwriting involvement, crediting himself on multiple tracks across releases, while maintaining fan connections through occasional GOT7-related engagements.[23]
2025: Group comeback, tour, theater, and enlistment
In early 2025, GOT7 made their highly anticipated full-group comeback with the mini-album Winter Heptagon, released on January 20, marking their first collective release since 2022's GOT7. The nine-track EP, produced in partnership with Kakao Entertainment, featured the lead single "Python," a hip-hop-infused track exploring themes of escaping toxic attractions, and celebrated the group's 11th anniversary while showcasing their evolved synergy after years of individual pursuits.[41][42]Choi Young-jae contributed significantly to the group's momentum through his solo endeavors, beginning with his theater debut in the musical adaptation Again Dream High. Portraying the lead role of Song Sam-dong—a character originally played by Kim Soo-hyun in the 2011 drama—he performed from April 5 to June 1 at the Woori Financial Art Hall in Seoul, earning praise for his vocal prowess and stage presence in this star-studded production directed by Park Kyung-rim. To coincide with the musical, Young-jae released the OST single "Starlight" on January 10, capturing the narrative's aspirational spirit through soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics.[43][44]Later in the year, Young-jae dropped his digital single Fermata on July 9, a reflective piece symbolizing musical pauses and personal introspection, with the track "Here We Go" emphasizing themes of solidarity, hope, and taking time to breathe amid life's uncertainties. This release set the stage for his 2025 YOUNGJAE ASIA TOUR 'Fermata', which kicked off with sold-out concerts at Myunghwa Live Hall in Seoul on September 20 and 21, drawing fans with performances blending solo hits, GOT7 classics, and improvisational elements inspired by the single's contemplative vibe; the tour then extended to cities including Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Taipei through October. Building on the success of his prior Once in a Dream Asia tour from 2024, these shows highlighted Young-jae's growth as a live performer, with setlists incorporating emotional ballads and high-energy dances to foster a sense of harmony between artist and audience.[45][46][47][48]As autumn progressed, Young-jae became the final GOT7 member to announce his mandatory military enlistment, with his agency AndBut Company confirming on October 30 that he would begin service as a social service worker on November 27, 2025. In a statement expressing gratitude to fans for their unwavering support, the agency noted Young-jae's decision to forgo a separate public message, opting instead to "quietly and sincerely" fulfill his duties while promising a stronger return post-service; this timing aligned with the discharges of bandmates like Yugyeom in 2027, closing a chapter for the group amid their renewed activities.[8][49][50]
Personal life
Family and relationships
Choi Young-jae shares a close bond with his parents and two older siblings, consisting of a brother and a sister. His brother, a vocal instructor, played a key role in honing Young-jae's singing skills during his early years and continues to maintain a strong sibling connection, as reflected in shared personal identifiers like past social media handles combining their initials.[51]This familial closeness extends to his professional circle, with his parents treating GOT7 members as extended family; for instance, during a 2022 radio broadcast hosted by Young-jae, his father sent an encouraging message to group member BamBam, highlighting the intertwined support systems.[52] Young-jae occasionally references his family's encouragement in interviews and fan interactions, underscoring their role in his personal stability amid career shifts, though he keeps details private to protect their lives.[11]Young-jae has no publicly confirmed romantic relationships, consistently prioritizing his career and fanbase over personal disclosures. In June 2022, his then-agency Sublime Artist Agency firmly denied rumors linking him to singer Lovey, clarifying that the two are simply industry acquaintances with no romantic involvement.[53] During a March 2023 variety show appearance, he addressed relationship inquiries by humorously calling his longtime "girlfriend" his fans (Ahgase), whom he has cherished for a decade, while advising aspiring idols to maintain utmost privacy in any personal matters to avoid scrutiny.[54] He further elaborated on the challenges of dating as an idol, recommending discretion such as avoiding public outings, and emphasized that romantic pursuits should not be broadcasted widely.[55]
Pets and interests
Choi Young-jae owned a small white dog named Coco, whom he primarily cared for from 2015 until her passing in April 2025. He and fellow GOT7 member Mark Tuan adopted Coco in May 2015 after searching for a pet suitable for their shared dorm life, with Young-jae taking on most responsibilities as group members moved out over time.[56][57] Young-jae often shared heartwarming anecdotes about their bond, such as Coco sensing his emotions and licking away his tears during a difficult moment, or greeting him enthusiastically after long workdays, which he described as a source of irreplaceable happiness.[58][59] His care routines included special celebrations like baking a birthday cake for Coco and launching the Ars x Coco clothing line in 2020 to support abandoned animals, reflecting their close companionship.[58] Coco, who battled health issues including heart disease, passed away at age 10, leaving Young-jae to mourn her as a cherished family member shared initially with Mark.[60]Beyond his pet, Young-jae pursues several personal hobbies that provide relaxation outside his professional commitments. He enjoys cooking as a creative outlet, demonstrating skills in videos such as preparing traditional New Year foods and exploring new recipes, which he has presented as an emerging interest.[61][62]Gaming serves as a key way for him to unwind and manage stress, often mentioned alongside enjoying good meals as simple pleasures in daily life.[63] Additionally, he finds joy in playing the piano and composing personal melodies, a hobby he has practiced since his trainee days to express emotions through music.[64]Young-jae prioritizes rest and mental well-being after demanding schedules, using hobbies like gaming to recharge and collaborating on initiatives such as the 2018 duet "I'm All Ears" to support those facing emotional struggles. In a 2025 interview, he expressed enthusiasm for exploring diverse musical influences, noting that Indian music reveals "so much to explore" and voicing interest in potential collaborations with Indian artists.[65][66]
Discography
Studio albums
Choi Young-jae's debut studio album, Do It, was released on November 6, 2023, by AndBut Company, marking his first full-length solo project following a series of extended plays and singles.[67] The album comprises 10 tracks, blending pop, R&B, and groovy elements to convey themes of encouragement and self-empowerment, urging listeners to pursue their goals without hesitation.[5] Production involved extensive planning after the pre-release single "Err Day" in March 2023, with Youngjae contributing to songwriting and emphasizing a mature, introspective sound that reflects personal growth beyond his idol image.[68]The tracklist includes:
No.
Title
Length
Notes
1
Flower
3:17
Opening track with upbeat pop vibes.
2
Do It (title track)
3:01
Lead single featuring rhythmic synths and motivational lyrics.
[69][70]Do It debuted at number 23 on the Circle Chart's weekly albumranking for the week of November 5–11, 2023, with 9,098 physical copies sold in its first week across standard and special Nemo editions. By late November, it had surpassed 10,000 copies on the Circle Chart, establishing modest commercial success for a solo debut amid a competitive market.[71]Critics praised the album for its cohesive sound and Youngjae's versatile vocals, highlighting how tracks like "Do It" and "Deal" offer calming, rhythmic appeal suitable for everyday listening.[72] Reviewers noted the mature thematic depth, particularly in songs addressing hesitation and resilience, providing a fresh evolution from his earlier bubbly style while remaining accessible and personality-driven.[73] Overall, it was received as a solid introduction to Youngjae's solo artistry, though not a groundbreaking release, with appreciation for its motivational message and polished production.[74]
Extended plays
Choi Young-jae's solo extended plays consist of two mini-albums, both showcasing his abilities as a singer-songwriter and producer with a focus on vocal-driven tracks blending pop, R&B, and rock elements.His debut extended play, Colors from Ars, was released on October 5, 2021, by Sublime Artist Agency. The seven-track album, entirely self-written and self-produced by Youngjae in collaboration with producers such as Boytoy and Disko Junkie, draws inspiration from a spectrum of colors to represent emotional diversity, emphasizing his versatile vocal range across upbeat pop and introspective ballads. The title track, "Vibin'," highlights groovy rhythms and positive energy, serving as a teaser for his solo identity post-GOT7 activities. Commercially, it debuted at number six on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart and sold 77,138 physical copies in its release month, while topping iTunes Top Albums charts in 26 regions worldwide, including the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan.[4][75]Youngjae's second extended play, Sugar, arrived on June 21, 2022, by Sublime Artist Agency, featuring five tracks that explore themes of sweetness and emotional depth through a mix of rock-infused pop, R&B grooves, and tender ballads. The title track "Sugar" combines funky guitar riffs with his signature soaring vocals, capturing a playful yet heartfelt vibe, while other songs like "Focus" and "Nothing" delve into personal introspection. Youngjae contributed to songwriting and production on multiple tracks, further establishing his creative control. The EP achieved strong initial sales, moving 38,203 copies on its first day according to Hanteo Chart data—nearly double his debut's opening—and totaling approximately 65,632 physical units for the year. It also reached number one on iTunes Top Albums charts in 19 countries, including Indonesia, Brazil, and Chile.[76][77][32]
Singles
Choi Young-jae has released a number of standalone solo singles, encompassing digital releases, title tracks from his extended plays, and contributions to drama soundtracks, often showcasing his versatile vocal style across pop, R&B, and ballad genres."Sugar", released on June 21, 2022, as the lead digital single from his second extended play of the same name under Sublime Artist Agency, marked a key promotional track in his early solo career following his departure from JYP Entertainment.[32] The upbeat pop-rock track peaked at number 9 on the CircleDownloadChart, highlighting his transition to more playful and energetic solo material.In November 2022, Young-jae contributed to the soundtrack for the MBC drama The Golden Spoon with "On My Way", the seventh part of the OST series, delivering an uplifting ballad that aligned with the series' themes of ambition and transformation. Earlier that year, on August 24, 2022, he collaborated with fellow GOT7 member JAY B on "Closer" for the JTBC drama Good Job OST Part 1, a smooth R&B duet emphasizing emotional closeness and support."Best Friend" (feat. COCO), released as a full digital single on March 29, 2023, originated as the logo song for his MBC radio show GOT7's Youngjae's Close Friend before expanding into a standalone track celebrating platonic bonds with its lighthearted, acoustic pop arrangement. This release charted modestly on domestic platforms, reflecting its niche appeal tied to his broadcasting activities.Young-jae's 2024 digital single "T.P.O", issued on July 9 through his new agency AndBut Company, adopted a vibrant pop style centered on the concept of "Time, Place, Occasion", encouraging living in the moment with its catchy, dance-oriented production.[38] The track peaked at number 10 on the Circle Download Chart, while its music video amassed over 1.6 million views on YouTube within the first year.[78]On January 10, 2025, Youngjae released "Starlight" as an OST single for the musical SHOW MUSICAL Dream High, performed in his role as Song Samdong.[79]"Fermata", a digital single released on July 9, 2025, by AndBut Company, features the title track "Escape to Me" and B-side "HERE WE GO," offering introspective pop with themes of pause and comfort. It served as the namesake for his 2025 Asia tour.[80][45]"Old Song", a collaboration single with KEN (VIXX), HUI (PENTAGON), and CHOI SANG YEOP (LUCY), was released on June 29, 2025, blending nostalgic pop elements.[69]
Year
Title
Type
Peak Chart Position
2022
Sugar
Digital single (lead from EP Sugar)
#9 Circle Download Chart
2022
Closer (with JAY B)
OST (Good Job Pt. 1)
—
2022
On My Way
OST (The Golden Spoon Pt. 7)
—
2023
Best Friend (feat. COCO)
Digital single
—
2024
T.P.O
Digital single
#10 Circle Download Chart
2025
Starlight
OST (SHOW MUSICAL Dream High)
—
2025
Old Song (with KEN, HUI, CHOI SANG YEOP)
Digital single
—
2025
Escape to Me
Digital single (lead from Fermata)
—
2025
HERE WE GO
Digital single (from Fermata)
—
Songwriting credits
Choi Young-jae, known professionally as Youngjae and using the pseudonym Ars for his compositional work, has earned recognition for his songwriting contributions across GOT7's discography, his solo releases, and select collaborations, including OSTs. As of June 2025, he holds 36 registered credits with the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), reflecting his role in crafting lyrics and compositions that often draw from personal themes of youth, introspection, and emotional resilience.[81]His early songwriting for GOT7 emphasized nostalgic reflections on growth and relationships. For instance, in 2016, he co-wrote and composed "Rewind" from the EP Flight Log: Departure, inspired by memories of the group's trainee days and the passage of time, marking his debut as a credited contributor under Ars. That same year, he handled both lyrics and music for "Hey" on Flight Log: Turbulence, infusing the track with upbeat energy about mutual affection. By 2018, on the full-length album Eyes on You, Youngjae co-composed "Hesitate," a ballad exploring hesitation in love drawn from his own experiences of vulnerability. In 2019, he contributed lyrics to "Page" from the mini-album Call My Name, focusing on turning life's moments into cherished stories. The 2020 album Breath of Love: Last Piece featured his solo track "Nobody Knows," where he wrote the lyrics about hidden struggles and self-reliance, performed during group concerts to highlight individual narratives.[82][83]Transitioning to solo work after GOT7's independent activities began in 2021, Youngjae took greater creative control, emphasizing self-empowerment in his lyrics. His debut mini-album Colors from Ars (2021) included "Vibin'," for which he contributed lyrics, and "Walk With Me," which he fully composed and wrote, reflecting themes of companionship and perseverance amid career changes. In 2022's Sugar, Youngjae contributed to songwriting on tracks like "Hug Me." The pre-release single "Err Day" for Do It (2023) was co-written, promoting daily self-care and motivation through rhythmic, uplifting verses. By 2024, on the album Do It, "T.P.O" (short for "Time, Place, Occasion") highlighted his composition skills, with lyrics encouraging authentic living tailored to one's circumstances. These solo efforts underscore his evolution from group collaborator to lead artist, often performed live to convey messages of independence.Youngjae's OST and collaboration credits extend his reach beyond albums. In 2018, he performed and contributed vocals to "I'm All Ears" (다 들어줄게) with Park Jimin for the Life Insurance Social Contribution Foundation's charity project, though primary composition was by others; the song's empathetic lyrics on listening and support aligned with his thematic style. Up to 2025, additional collabs include co-writing "Hurry" (2022) for a project under Lovey and "Drive Me to the Moon" (2022) for GOT7's independent releases, both emphasizing urgency in pursuing dreams. His full OST list remains selective, prioritizing emotional depth in drama soundtracks like the 2020 contribution to When My Love Blooms. These works demonstrate his versatility in blending personal inspirations with narrative-driven storytelling.[84][85]
Choi Young-jae made his acting debut in the 2015 web drama Dream Knight, portraying himself as one of the "knights" in a fantasy romance series about a high school girl who encounters dream-like saviors after her mother's death. The Naver TV Cast production featured his group members and highlighted his early acting alongside musical performances.[86]In 2016, he appeared in the special Sanctuary: Making Film, a behind-the-scenes style short drama tied to a promotional project, playing a main role in this Thai-South Korean collaboration exploring adaptation and creativity.[87]In the 2021 Netflix sitcom So Not Worth It, he portrayed Sam, a charismatic student raised in Australia as the son of a global tteokbokki chain president. The series depicts the chaotic lives of multinational university roommates in Seoul, where Young's role contributed to the ensemble's humorous dynamics, earning positive feedback for his natural comedic timing in his first major on-screen appearance.[88][89]Later in 2021, he starred in a leading role in the web drama Love & Wish, playing Kim Seung-hyu, a kind-hearted high school student navigating romance and personal growth in a rom-com adaptation of a popular webtoon. The series highlighted his ability to convey emotional depth in youthful love stories, marking a significant step in his acting career alongside co-star Choi Ye-bin.[90]Young-jae made a brief cameo appearance as a client in episode 16 of the 2024 KBS2 romantic comedyDare to Love Me, adding a light-hearted moment to the storyline centered on a rural healer and a city fashion designer.[91]In 2025, he took on a supporting role as Nam Byeong-jin in the U+mobiletv mystery thriller Friendly Rivalry, portraying a complex antagonist from the lead character's orphanage past who becomes entangled in dark school secrets and drug-related intrigue at an elite all-girls high school. Adapted from a webtoon, the 16-episode series showcased his range in a villainous part, with viewers praising his intense expressions and chemistry in tense confrontations, surprising many with his departure from previous affable characters.[92][93][94]
Variety shows
Choi Young-jae has made notable appearances on South Korean variety programs, often showcasing his energetic personality, vocal talents, and comedic timing as a representative of GOT7 or in solo capacities. These outings have highlighted his adaptability in entertainment formats, from group challenges to individual performances that emphasize his charm and quick wit.As a member of GOT7, Young-jae served as a regular representative on MBC Every1's "Weekly Idol" from 2014 to 2015, participating in MC duties alongside groupmates during episodes that featured idol group dances, interviews, and games.[95]GOT7's frequent visits to the show during this period included memorable segments like double-speed dance challenges and girl group covers, where Young-jae's vocal improvisations and humorous reactions stood out.[96][97]Young-jae also guested on SBS's "Running Man" in 2016 as part of the full GOT7 lineup, taking on roles in high-energy games such as a prison-themed name tag ripping race where the group acted as guards pursuing the main cast.[98] The episode emphasized physical challenges and team dynamics, with Young-jae's agility and laughter adding to the fun amid the competitive atmosphere. GOT7 returned for a full-group guest spot in 2018, engaging in missions that further displayed Young-jae's playful side during promotional activities.[99]In solo endeavors, Young-jae has continued to appear on variety shows post-GOT7 promotions, focusing on music and personal stories. For instance, he featured as a guest on JTBC's "Idol Room" in 2018, performing and sharing anecdotes during episodes tied to group comebacks. By 2024, he participated in KBS2's "Famous Song Championship" as a guest vocalist, delivering covers that highlighted his singing prowess in a competitive format. No major variety show announcements for Young-jae were reported in 2025 up to November.
Radio and hosting
Choi Young-jae entered the radio broadcasting scene in 2020 as a DJ for MBC Radio's "Idol Radio," co-hosting the program with DAY6's Young K starting on May 18. The show, which aired nightly and concluded its season on September 25, featured in-depth interviews with K-pop idols, live music performances, and listener interactions across more than 120 episodes, allowing Youngjae to showcase his engaging conversational style and passion for music.[100][101]Building on this success, Youngjae launched his solo radio program "GOT7 Youngjae's Close Friend" (also known as "Youngjae's Best Friend") on MBC FM4U in 2022, taking on the role of fixed DJ from March 28 until the show's conclusion on November 22, 2024. Airing Monday through Thursday from midnight to 2 a.m. KST, the program emphasized personal storytelling, curated playlists blending K-pop and personal favorites, and guest spots with fellow artists, earning praise for Youngjae's warm, relatable hosting that fostered a sense of intimacy with listeners.[102]In addition to radio, Youngjae has applied his vocal hosting talents to live events, notably serving as the special MC for the Jus2 "Focus" Premiere Showcase Tour in Japan, including stops in Tokyo on April 10–11 and Osaka on April 17–18, 2019, where he facilitated fan interactions and performances by the duo.[103] During his 2023–2024 solo promotions, he made guest appearances on various radio shows, such as KBS Cool FM, where he curated themed playlists and discussed his music releases.[10]
Theater
Choi Young-jae made his musical theater debut in 2021, portraying Ha Ram in Midnight Sun (also known as The Sun's Song), a romantic musical adaptation of the Japanese film A Song to the Sun. The role of Ha Ram, a bright and passionate young man facing illness while pursuing love and dreams, drew on Young-jae's vocal strengths in ensemble numbers. The production ran at Kwanglim Art Center in Seoul from May 1 to July 25, 2021, earning acclaim for the cast's chemistry and live performances, with Young-jae's portrayal noted for its emotional sincerity.[104]In 2025, he starred as Song Sam-dong in the show musical Again Dream High, an adaptation of the 2011 K-drama Dream High. The role of Song Sam-dong, a determined aspiring singer from the countryside with raw vocal talent, placed significant demands on Young-jae's singing abilities, requiring him to perform challenging musical numbers live on stage.[43][105]The production was staged at the Woori Financial Art Hall in Seoul from April 5 to June 1, 2025, following a two-month schedule that included multiple performances per week.[106] Reviews highlighted the seamless integration of live singing into the narrative, with Young-jae's vocal delivery earning acclaim for its emotional depth and technical precision, contributing to the musical's overall success and subsequent extended run.[107]Young-jae's preparation for the role extended his vocal training from his background as GOT7's lead vocalist, allowing him to adapt his pop performance experience to the rigors of musical theater.[108]