Early Life and Background

Choi Hyojung's life story begins with unique cultural influences that shaped her formative years. Though her journey to becoming OH MY GIRL's beloved leader would eventually capture fans' hearts, her early experiences reveal a foundation of resilience and determination.

Birthplace and childhood in Thailand

Although Choi Hyojung was born on July 28, 1994, in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, her early childhood unfolded in a completely different cultural setting. Shortly after birth, Hyojung's family relocated to Thailand, where she lived until she was six years old. This international upbringing left a lasting impression on her, as she can still understand and speak conversational Thai.

This Thai connection became particularly meaningful during her appearance on the competition show "Queendom," where she formed a special bond with Minnie of (G)I-dle, who is Thai. During their interactions, Hyojung revealed that her aunt is Thai, explaining the family's connection to the country. Her multicultural background adds a distinctive dimension to her perspective as an artist.

Education and early interests

Behind Hyojung's bright smile lies a story of remarkable perseverance. Following her father's passing at a young age, she took on significant responsibilities to help support her family. As she shared on "Happy Together 3" in 2016:

"My father passed away when I was young, so I started working to help my mom."

Hyojung worked numerous part-time jobs throughout her childhood and adolescence, including:

Serving at a pigs' feet restaurant
Babysitting
Distributing flyers
Digging for ginseng with her grandmother

Her older sister likewise worked to support the family during this challenging time. Despite these hardships, Hyojung maintained her passion for music, participating in her school choir from second through ninth grade—a commitment spanning seven years.

Her dedication to her craft was evident as she paid her own way to study at a vocal institute, eventually earning an associate degree in K-pop from Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts in February 2019. Beyond singing, she developed piano skills and discovered her interest in songwriting.

Hyojung credits these early experiences with preparing her for the entertainment industry, noting: "My experience with part-time jobs is very helpful to me as I work in the entertainment industry".

Meaning behind the name 'Choi Hyojung'

The name Choi Hyojung (최효정) carries deep cultural significance that resonates with her character. In Korean naming traditions, each syllable holds specific meaning and importance.

"Hyo" (효) translates to "filial piety" or "goodness", a concept central to Korean family values that emphasizes respect and care for one's parents and ancestors. Meanwhile, "Jung" (정) can represent "loyalty," "purity," or being "right and proper".

Together, these elements create a name that embodies noble character traits and virtuous personality. One source suggests the name simply means "to be true", which aligns with Hyojung's authentic approach to both leadership and performance.

The name Hyojung reflects traditional Korean values of family devotion and loyalty—qualities that foreshadowed her eventual role as OH MY GIRL's dedicated leader. Her name embodies qualities parents would wish to impart to their daughters: wisdom, intelligence, and beauty, traits that have indeed manifested throughout her career.

The Journey to Debut

Before becoming the cheerful leader fans know today, Choi Hyojung's path to stardom required determination and a unique spark that set her apart from other aspiring idols. Her relatively brief training period remains remarkable in an industry where trainees often spend years preparing for debut.

Training under WM Entertainment

Hyojung's training journey had unconventional beginnings. Prior to joining WM Entertainment, she was a trainee under Soul Shop Entertainment, an agency established by g.o.d member Kim Tae Woo. The exact timeline of her Soul Shop training remains undocumented, but her entertainment career took a decisive turn in October 2014 when she officially joined WM Entertainment.

In contrast to many K-pop idols who train for years, Hyojung's pre-debut period was remarkably brief. According to most sources, she trained for only 6 months at WM Entertainment before making her official debut. However, some documentation suggests her training period was slightly longer at 7 months.

The training environment at WM Entertainment, as Hyojung later revealed, included strict weight management protocols. Trainees faced harsh dietary restrictions, with Hyojung expected to maintain a weight between 99-101 lbs (44.9-45.8kg). Her personal target weight was even lower at 97 lbs (44kg). These revealing details offer a glimpse into the demanding standards K-pop trainees often face.

Winning first place in WM auditions

Hyojung's path to joining WM Entertainment began with a standout audition performance. She auditioned with a dance cover of HyunA's popular hit "Bubble Pop". Notably, she performed what she described as a "G-rated" version of the choreography, as the original dance featured provocative movements.

What truly distinguished Hyojung's audition was not just her dance skills but her radiant personality. According to fellow OH MY GIRL member Binnie, Hyojung "smiled like crazy" during her audition. This infectious enthusiasm clearly made an impression on the judges, as she ultimately secured first place in WM Entertainment's 2014 audition.

Her success came after numerous previous disappointments. As one source notes, she had challenged many auditions before, but judges often eliminated her without seeing her perform, simply after hearing her sing. This rejection motivated her to work harder on both her performance skills and physical appearance.

Debut with OH MY GIRL in 2015

Following her successful training period, Hyojung made her official debut as part of OH MY GIRL on April 20, 2015, with the group's self-titled first extended play. The group was officially introduced as the sister group to WM Entertainment's boy band B1A4.

The debut rollout began in March 2015, when teaser images of all eight original members were released along with concept photos. The group's first EP included the single "Cupid," which they performed at their debut showcase on the same day as their EP release. Their first televised performance followed quickly, appearing on SBS MTV's "The Show" on April 21, 2015.

From the beginning, Hyojung assumed the crucial role of leader within OH MY GIRL. The original lineup consisted of eight members: Hyojung, Mimi, YooA, Seunghee, Binnie, Arin, Jiho (left in 2022) and JinE (left in 2017 due to health reasons).

Hyojung's quick progression from trainee to debut demonstrates both her natural talent and the confidence WM Entertainment placed in her leadership abilities, establishing the foundation for what would become a successful and enduring career in K-pop.

Rising as OH MY GIRL's Leader

From the very beginning of OH MY GIRL's journey, Choi Hyojung has been the cornerstone of the group's dynamics, establishing herself as more than just the eldest member. As she stepped into her leadership role, fans quickly discovered the depth behind her ever-present smile.

Role and responsibilities in the group

As both the leader and main vocalist of OH MY GIRL, Hyojung carries dual responsibilities that showcase her versatility as an artist. This combination is relatively uncommon in K-pop, where leaders often focus primarily on management aspects rather than being main vocal performers. At just 158 cm (5'2") tall and weighing 42 kg (93 lbs), her small stature belies her powerful voice and commanding presence.

Interestingly, Hyojung herself has admitted that she initially felt the leadership position wasn't meant for her. In fact, she credits her fellow members for building her confidence in this role through their consistent praise and support. Her primary responsibility extends beyond managing schedules and representing the group in public—she considers herself the "mental support" of the team, a role acknowledged by her members.

Leadership style and group dynamics

Hyojung's leadership philosophy centers on genuine care: "I'm a leader who sincerely loves and cherishes her members. OH MY GIRL is more precious than myself". This sentiment forms the foundation of her approach to guiding the group.

When asked about her leadership style, she expressed a desire "to appear friendly and be someone you cannot hate". This approach has created a warm, supportive environment within OH MY GIRL, but it doesn't mean she avoids addressing problems. When facing concerns about the team, Hyojung typically speaks with everyone involved, turning first to Seunghee—whom she considers their "vice-leader"—for advice on approaching different members.

Her relationship with each member reflects her understanding of their individual needs:

With younger members Arin and Binnie, she playfully says "Love me"
When struggling, Mimi intuitively jokes around to lighten her mood
Jiho regularly texts and writes her letters
YooA boosts her confidence with supportive comments

Despite her typically gentle demeanor, Hyojung revealed she had early conflicts with YooA during their debut era. The leader would remind her that "This is a group choreography" and "We're a team" when YooA would dance in her own style during practices. Yet even in these moments of correction, Hyojung demonstrated understanding, acknowledging YooA's artistic nature.

Nickname 'Candy' and her bright image

Hyojung's nickname "Candy" perfectly encapsulates her sweet, bright personality. Often referred to as the "Candy Leader," this moniker emerged naturally from her consistently positive demeanor. She describes herself as "a happy, hardworking person who loves to lift up her members' spirits".

Furthermore, Hyojung likens herself to a "sunflower," reflecting her tendency to bring light and positivity to those around her. This image isn't merely superficial—her members consistently describe her as their emotional anchor during difficult times, crediting her strong mental fortitude for helping the group through challenges.

What makes Hyojung particularly endearing is that behind her bright leader persona lies genuine emotional depth. Despite being known for her leadership strength, she admits to being "usually sensitive and emotional" and is noted as "the member with the most tears". Nevertheless, when the group needs direction, she channels a stronger presence that her members compare to "motherhood".

This duality—being both emotionally accessible yet reliably strong—has earned Hyojung deep respect from both fans and fellow members, making her one of K-pop's most beloved leaders.

Expanding Horizons: Sub-units and Collaborations

As Hyojung grew more established in her role as OH MY GIRL's leader, she began to explore creative opportunities beyond the main group activities. These ventures allowed her to showcase different facets of her artistry while building her individual identity within the K-pop industry.

Debut with Oh My Girl Banhana

In spring 2018, WM Entertainment unveiled a new chapter in OH MY GIRL's journey by forming the group's first official sub-unit. Oh My Girl Banhana made their debut on April 2, 2018, with the special album "Banana Allergy Monkey". This cheerful sub-unit consisted of just three members—Hyojung, Binnie, and Arin—allowing each artist more individual spotlight than in the full eight-member configuration.

The creative concept behind Banhana involved dividing OH MY GIRL into two distinct units. While Hyojung's trio performed the title track "Banana Allergy Monkey," the remaining members (Mimi, YooA, Seunghee, and Jiho) were featured on the album as "Banana Monkeys Without Allergies". This innovative approach demonstrated the company's willingness to experiment with the group's established formula.

Subsequently, Oh My Girl Banhana expanded their reach internationally. On August 29, 2018, the sub-unit made their Japanese debut through Ariola Japan, a Sony Music Japan label. Their Japanese EP "Banana ga Taberenai Saru" included Japanese versions of the songs from the original "Banana Allergy Monkey" EP alongside additional tracks. The Japanese release performed well, selling 7,470 copies according to reported figures.

Notable collaborations with other artists

Throughout her career, Hyojung has participated in numerous collaborative projects that showcase her versatility as an artist. As part of WM Entertainment's family initiatives, she contributed to several company-wide collaborations. The "HELLO! WM" project began in 2018 with the year-end single "Timing," which featured artists from across the label including B1A4, OH MY GIRL, and ONF. This collaborative tradition continued with the release of "Ours" in 2020, performed during the "Hello! WM ONTACT LIVE 2020" concert.

In 2024, Hyojung joined B1A4's Sandeul and ONF's Hyojin to form a special vocal trio for the project album "HELLO! WM_V". This collaboration highlighted her status as one of the company's premier vocalists.

Beyond company projects, Hyojung has participated in various other collaborations:

"The Love of Fingertips" (2016) with B1A4, Eunkwang, Changsub, and others
"White" with Haha (featuring M. Tyson) for the "1 Love Winter" project
"SNS" with Park Myeong-su (2018)
"A Cup of Latte" with fellow OH MY GIRL member Yubin (2023)

Interestingly, when asked about her dream collaboration partner, Hyojung named soloist IU, expressing admiration for her songwriting: "I've always admired the lyrics of her songs she wrote so I want to work with her someday". This aspiration reflects Hyojung's appreciation for artistic depth and her desire to continue growing as a musician.

Solo Activities and OST Queen Title

Beyond her group activities, Hyojung has carved a niche for herself in the Korean entertainment industry through her remarkable OST contributions. Her distinctive vocal color has made her a sought-after artist for soundtrack projects, establishing her presence as a solo vocalist apart from OH MY GIRL.

OST contributions across dramas and films

Hyojung's journey as an OST artist began in 2016 when she collaborated with rapper Crucial Star on "When Autumn Comes" for JTBC's drama "Fantastic". This marked her first venture into the OST realm, setting the foundation for what would become a significant aspect of her career. The track was produced by the same team behind Loco and GFRIEND's Yuju's hit "Spring Is Gone By Chance," indicating the industry's recognition of her vocal capabilities.

As time went on, Hyojung continued to expand her OST portfolio with contributions to numerous popular dramas. In 2018, she lent her voice to "Queen of Mystery 2" and "My Only One". The following year, she collaborated with fellow OH MY GIRL member Binnie for "Legal High". Her OST discography grew substantially, including tracks for "Racket Boys" alongside Mimi and Binnie, "Armored Saurus Season 2" with Yubin, and "Oh My Wedding" with Mimi.

Particularly noteworthy was her 2020 contribution "Today, Just Like Yesterday" for the SBS drama "Hyena", which showcased her ability to convey emotional depth through her singing. In 2022, she released "Dear, Beloved" for the OST of "Dear X Who Doesn't Love Me," further cementing her reputation in this specialized field.

Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon Korean OST

Undeniably, the crown jewel in Hyojung's OST career came in 2021 when Walt Disney Company Korea selected her to sing the Korean version of "Lead the Way" for their animated film "Raya and the Last Dragon". This selection represented a significant milestone, as Disney collaborations are prestigious opportunities generally reserved for established solo artists.

Released on March 5, 2021, the song was accompanied by a music video featuring scenes from the animated film interspersed with footage of Hyojung performing. Described as "a beautiful pop ballad about trusting you'll be stronger for the future", the track showcased her vocal range and emotional expressiveness.

The music video garnered considerable attention, accumulating over 5.8 million views, indicating the widespread appeal of both the song and Hyojung's interpretation. Critics praised it as "a strong song with an epic feel", perfectly complementing the film's themes of courage and resilience.

Desire to be known as the 'OST Fairy'

Throughout her career, Hyojung has demonstrated a clear passion for OST work. Her consistent contributions to various soundtracks reflect her dedication to this specialized area of the music industry. Indeed, her growing collection of OST credits suggests an intentional career direction, potentially aiming to establish herself as a go-to vocalist for emotional soundtrack pieces.

Much like how certain Korean artists earn titles such as "OST Queen" or "Ballad King," Hyojung's continuous efforts in this field indicate her desire to build a distinct identity beyond her group activities, creating a legacy as a respected OST artist in the competitive Korean entertainment landscape.

Beyond Music: TV, Hosting, and YouTube

Alongside her musical endeavors, Hyojung has steadily built a diverse portfolio in entertainment, expanding her presence across multiple platforms and showcasing her versatility as a public figure.

Hosting roles and variety show appearances

Throughout her career, Hyojung has accumulated impressive experience in variety shows and hosting roles. In August 2019, she participated in Mnet's competition show "Queendom", which significantly raised OH MY GIRL's public profile. Her hosting career took a major step forward in September 2020 when she was announced as a host for OnStyle's beauty program "Get It Beauty". In 2021, she continued this role as the main host for "Get It Beauty 2021" alongside soloist Sunmi.

Hyojung's variety show appearances include:

"Mr. Trot" (2020) as a Master
"Landman Village" (2020-present) as a cast member
"Weekly Idol" 500th episode special guest alongside Mimi

Her natural charisma has made her a valuable presence on screen, additionally serving as MC on programs like KBS 2TV's "New Product Launch Convenience Store," JTBC's "The Last Love," and Channel A's "Personal Secretary for Efficiency".

YouTube channel 'JJung2eonni'

In pursuit of connecting more personally with fans, Hyojung launched her own YouTube channel called 'JJung2eonni' on May 28. The channel serves as a platform where she shares more of her personality beyond her idol image. Through this medium, she creates content that showcases her daily life, interests, and talents in a more intimate setting than traditional broadcast appearances allow.

DJ roles and public presence

Recently, Hyojung embarked on an exciting new chapter in her career as a radio DJ. In November 2024, she was selected as the new DJ for KBS Cool FM's flagship program "Raise the Volume". Her first broadcast of "Oh My Girl Hyojung's Raise the Volume" aired on November 25, with all OH MY GIRL members appearing as her first guests to show support.

Upon receiving this opportunity, Hyojung expressed, "It's unbelievable and amazing to have my own show as a DJ. I've always loved the power of storytelling on the radio. I want to be an '8 o'clock mate' who gives listeners comfort to unwind from a busy day and prepare for tomorrow". This role follows her previous experience as a special DJ for "Dream" from February 21 to March 6, 2022.

Producer Oh Guina highlighted Hyojung's potential in this role, noting that "Hyojung's bright energy and appeal across generations will be a refreshing boost to Cool FM". This appointment positions her among notable previous hosts like Lee Bon, MayBee, Choi Kang Hee, Yoo In Na, and Kang Han Na.

Creative Side: Songwriting and Production

While audiences primarily know Hyojung as OH MY GIRL's talented vocalist, behind the scenes she has steadily developed as a songwriter and composer, adding another dimension to her artistic identity.

Songs written or co-written by Hyojung

Beyond her vocal contributions, Hyojung has quietly built a portfolio of songwriting credits that showcase her creative abilities. In 2018, she collaborated with Park Myung Soo on the digital single "SNS," marking one of her first official songwriting credits. Her compositional talents further emerged through her work on "Yum-Yum Song," which she both wrote and composed for the variety show "Weekly Idol" in 2019.

Her songwriting capabilities extended to OH MY GIRL's discography as well. Notably, Hyojung contributed to the writing of "Miracle" for the group in 2023, demonstrating her growing involvement in crafting the group's musical identity. Furthermore, she co-wrote the lyrics for "Love Me Like You Do" from OH MY GIRL's tenth mini album, a ballad that highlighted her ability to convey emotional depth through her writing.

Other compositions in her repertoire include "Naekkohae" and "Byeolbamlogo Song," both of which showcase her versatility as a songwriter.

Unreleased tracks and fan favorites

In addition to her officially released works, Hyojung has created several unreleased tracks that have gained recognition among fans. Perhaps most notable is "SKY," a collaboration featuring fellow OH MY GIRL member Mimi on rap portions. Although unreleased commercially, Hyojung performed this self-composed song at her graduation project for the Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts in 2018. The track later received special treatment when Hyojung prepared a self-edited music video for "SKY" that was released through OH MY GIRL's YouTube channel on April 21, giving fans a glimpse of her creative vision.

Other unreleased compositions in her catalog include "Miracle Song," "Raccoon Song," and "Morning Light", pieces that occasionally surface during fan meetings or special events, becoming treasured rarities among devoted followers.

Personality, Hobbies, and Fun Facts

Known affectionately among fans for her infectious energy, Hyojung brings a unique warmth to OH MY GIRL that has earned her special recognition beyond her vocal talents.

Nicknames and personality traits

Hyojung carries the sweet nickname "Candy," perfectly reflecting her sugary disposition and bright presence. Fans often call her "Win-Hyo" because of her habit of winking frequently during performances. Despite her small stature, her personality fills any room she enters. Fellow OH MY GIRL members have playfully referred to her as the "father of the group," highlighting her protective nature toward the younger members.

In essence, Hyojung embodies what Korean entertainment describes as a "human sunshine" - someone whose mere presence lifts spirits. She describes herself as a "sunflower" and takes pride in being a happy, hardworking person who consistently boosts her members' morale. This natural brightness has made her a standout among K-pop's mood makers, with her sweet eye smile becoming one of her most recognizable features.

Daily habits and favorite things

At heart, Hyojung maintains simple pleasures and consistent routines. Her favorite activities include:

Singing (even during free time)
Watching dramas and variety shows
Playing piano

Primarily a creature of habit, she always applies face masks before sleeping. Her food preferences lean toward comfort items - bread ranks as her absolute favorite, while recently she's developed a particular fondness for egg sandwiches. Regarding colors, she gravitates toward chartreuse (yellowish-green) and yellow, further reflecting her sunny disposition. Autumn stands as her favorite season.

Ideal type and unique quirks

Interestingly, Hyojung has expressed that her ideal type is "someone younger" whom she "can take care of," revealing her nurturing nature. Among celebrities, she's mentioned actor Joo Won as someone she admires.

One particularly unusual pre-fame aspiration sets her apart - before pursuing singing, Hyojung apparently wanted to become a ginseng digger. Group members have noted that of all OH MY GIRL members, Hyojung changes most dramatically around male company. She also carries the amusing title "Hyojung Doesn't Know the Concept Again," suggesting her occasional struggles with certain performance concepts despite her leadership position.