Veteran actor Choi Min Sik shared his candid thoughts on celebrity dating culture, criticizing the tendency to treat romantic relationships as scandals and encouraging younger actors to date freely. The actor made the remarks during an appearance on the popular YouTube variety show Pinggyego alongside actor Choi Hyun Wook, his co-star in the upcoming Netflix series Notes from the Last Row.
In the June 27 episode titled “Fan Meeting Is Just an Excuse,” Choi Min Sik praised Choi Hyun Wook’s acting skills but also offered heartfelt advice on how to build a lasting career. “As a senior, the one thing I want to tell Hyun Wook is to be careful when people say things like, ‘You’re the best’ or ‘You’re doing great.’”
He continued: “You shouldn’t settle just because people praise you. You have to be even more critical of yourself. That’s how you build a long career, develop your philosophy and come to truly love this profession. The moment you start measuring yourself with other people’s reactions, there’s no end to it.”
Choi Min Sik added that actors should constantly reflect on why they chose this profession and what they hope to learn from each project. “You have to ask yourself why you’re doing it, what you can learn from it and how it will change your life. That’s how you continue to grow.”
He expressed hope that Choi Hyun Wook will maintain his current passion and attitude towards acting throughout his career.
The conversation then unexpectedly turned to romance, with Choi Min Sik saying he hoped his younger colleague also enjoyed dating. “I hope Hyun Wook comes out too. As much as he wants.”
The veteran actor questioned why celebrity relationships are so often viewed negatively. “People date when they’re young. But the moment they date, it’s treated like a scandal. Why is everyone so negative about young men and women falling in love?” Becoming visibly emotional, he added: “Suddenly I’m getting agitated.”
While Choi Min Sik passionately expressed his opinion, host Yoo Jae Suk jokingly tried to lighten the mood. “Hyung, have a drink first.” Yoo Jae Suk also said he understood why the actor became frustrated after seeing younger artists face intense public scrutiny over their personal lives.
Choi Min Sik concluded with a simple but firm belief: “People need to experience love. As long as they don’t do anything wrong, what’s the problem?”
His comments resonated with many viewers, reigniting discussions about the pressures celebrities face when their personal relationships become public.
Sources: Nate News
