Choi Mina Sue’s name is so unique that once you hear it, it’s hard to forget it. He shared, “When my parents lived in Australia and were expecting me, they wanted to call me ‘Mina’. But my grandmother insisted that adding ‘Sue’ would help me grow up beautifully, so the name ‘Mina Sue’ was completed that way.”
He added, “When we returned to Korea to officially register my name, they also chose beautiful Chinese characters: ‘Mi’ (美 – beautiful), ‘Na’ (娜 – graceful) and ‘Sue’ (秀 – exceptional).”
His life seems to have followed the meaning of his name. In 2021, when she was in her early twenties, she competed in a national beauty pageant and placed second. The following year she represented Korea in the world beauty pageant “Miss Earth” and became the first Korean to win the title.
Subsequently, she challenged herself with acting by appearing in several dramas. It later gained significant attention “Single’s Inferno 5,” leaving a strong impression on viewers.
Although he had previously received offers to appear “The hell of singles”, he had refused. He explained: “I felt shy about showing my personal side regarding the topic of love, and I had a lot of worries.”
He continued, “I started thinking, ‘I want to show more different sides of myself,’ and finally I found the courage to decide to appear.”
— Speakers’ reactions to your behavior (such as “Please stop” and “You did the same”) have become a hot topic. Were you hurt when you saw them?
▶ I didn’t look for them on purpose, but I found some through short clips and media coverage. Since I already knew about them, I thought it would be best not to look at them too much.
— Many people are also curious about the “Single’s Inferno 5” closing party, especially your meeting with Hong Jin Kyung.
▶ Even though the speakers said negative things, I was not deeply impressed. Of course, if I kept watching it repeatedly and let it seep into my mind, it would hurt more. But speakers must react honestly for viewers to relate. Even I can see that I was acting strange at times. (laughs) I think those were comments I deserved to hear. Rather, I’m grateful that they ended things well.
– THE “apology photo” Your photo with Hong Jin Kyung also attracted attention.
▶ It was actually the first time I attended such a closing party. While we were eating, Elder Hong Jin Kyung brightly approached me and immediately apologized, then suggested that we take a photo together. She handled it so cheerfully and I was very grateful.
— It was the idea for the “apology photo” By Hong Jin Kyung?
▶ Yes. At first I was worried “What if this photo makes me get even more hate?” But luckily, she handled it very professionally and I was really grateful. In fact, the panelists apologized to all the contestants. We actually felt more grateful. It was a very warm meeting.
— Some reactions call you “the second Dex.”
▶ Rather than be the second Dex, I want to be the first Choi Mina Sue. Not just me – everyone has their own unique story. I want to show the side of me that only I can present.
— What are your future plans?
▶ If given the opportunity, I want to do various activities. I think there are still many sides of me that I haven’t shown yet. I want to show a more mature version of myself. I only have three years left as a twenty-year-old and I want to fill them fully and leave many bright moments behind me.
— Do you have specific goals, such as acting, variety shows, or modeling?
▶ I’m still thinking about it. If opportunities present themselves, I want to work hard at anything. I like being in front of the camera and I feel confident on stage. I want to try a lot of different things. Variety shows like that would be great and I also like YouTube web variety shows. I would like to share more about my daily life. If I could work as an MC or act, I think it would be a lot of fun.
— Do you have a role model?
▶ Rather than having a role model, I want to become someone who can be a role model for others. I want to show images that break stereotypes. Even during the Miss Korea pageant, I worked very hard to move away from a refined and conventional image. In the future, I want to continue to show new challenges and new sides of myself.
Sources: Star News
