Girls’ Generation (Choi Soo-young) Biography: Profile, Net Worth 2025, Career, and Family

Profile:

Full Name: Choi Soo-young

Stage Name: Sooyoung

Date of Birth: February 10, 1990

Place of Birth: Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Nationality: South Korean

Education: Chung-Ang University, where I received my degree in theater and film in 2016.
Fluent in Korean, English, and conversational Japanese
Careers: philanthropist, model, singer, actress, and television host
Known for: Being a part of the Girls' Generation, appearing in dramas like as Run On and So I Married an Anti-fan, and promoting awareness of visual impairments
Sooyoung's transformation from a young performer to a well-known actress and worldwide K-pop idol is a testament to her adaptability and tenacity. She has a career that includes acting, singing, and social influence, and her poise and tenacity never cease to amaze her fans.

Early Life and Family:

Born in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, on February 10, 1990, Choi Soo-young grew up in a wealthy Seoul household. Her mother, Moon So-hee, is a former theatrical actor and vocal coach, while her father, Choi Jung-nam, is a retired architect. Choi Soo-jin, an actress in musical theater with parts in Jekyll & Hyde and The Phantom of the Opera, is Sooyoung's older sister. Sooyoung's early interest in performance was encouraged by the family's artistic heritage.
Sooyoung's love for the stage was ignited when she started dancing at the age of five and won a national dance competition. She tried out for SM Entertainment's open casting in 2000 when she was ten years old, and she was hired as a trainee. But through SM's partnership with Avex Trax, she had a brief appearance in Japan as a member of the duo Route 0 (2002–2003), giving her early experience to the entertainment business. She rejoined SM's training program after Route 0 broke up, juggling her studies with an intense acting, dancing, and singing schedule.
Alongside bandmate Yuri, Sooyoung studied at Chung-Ang University, where she earned a degree in Theater and Film in 2016. Her endurance during the challenging trainee years was greatly aided by her family's support, especially her sister's shared love of the arts.

Career: From K-Pop Royalty to Acclaimed Actress:

Sooyoung's career is a dynamic fusion of acting, music, television, and philanthropy, demonstrating her versatility.

The Generation of Girls: An International Icon (2007–Present):

On August 5, 2007, Sooyoung made her debut with Girls’ Generation (SNSD) as a lead dancer and vocalist under the banner of SM Entertainment. With singles including "Gee," "Genie," "I Got a Boy," "Lion Heart," and "Holiday," the nine-member group became a defining force in K-pop, propelling the Hallyu wave throughout Asia and beyond. They began their rapid ascent with their debut album, Girls’ Generation (2007), and went on to achieve worldwide acclaim with subsequent albums, such as The Boys (2011) and Mr.Mr. (2014).
Sooyoung stood out due to her towering stature, expressive dancing, and sweet vocals. Her joyful hunger earned her the moniker "Shikshin," which means "food lover." She helped write the group's songs and choreography, most notably co-writing "How Great Is Your Love" (2011). In 2018, after releasing the number-one single "Lil' Touch," Sooyoung also became a member of the subunit Girls' Generation-Oh!GG.
Girls' Generation is still active as of 2025, however its members prefer working alone. Sooyoung's status as a K-pop icon has been solidified by her involvement in the group, which has sold over 10 million albums.

Solo Music Contributions:

Sooyoung has contributed solo songs and collaborated with others, but she hasn't put out a solo album. Among her well-known musical compositions is "Winter Breath" (2018), a self-penned song for SM's STATION project that demonstrates the depth of her emotions.
soundtracks for shows such as Run On (2021) and Dating Agency: Cyrano (2013).
performances at SMTOWN events, where she showcases her dancing and singing abilities on solo stages.
Given her skill as a songwriter and her stage charisma, fans are excitedly awaiting a possible solo EP.

Acting: A Flourishing Career:

Sooyoung's acting career has taken off, and she has gained both critical and popular recognition as one of the most successful actors in the Girls' Generation. Among her noteworthy roles are:

Dramas on TV:
She made her acting debut as violinist Lee Ui-jin in The Third Hospital (2012).
Dating Agency: Cyrano (2013): Gong Min-young in a supporting role.
In My Spring Days (2014), she played Lee Bom-yi in her first leading role, receiving recognition for her poignant portrayal.
Squad 38 (2016): A humorous part that demonstrated her versatility as Chun Sung-hee.
In the 2017–2018 season of Man in the Kitchen, Lee Roo-ri played the lead.
Run On (2020–2021): She received a nomination for the Baeksang Arts Award for her breakthrough performance as the self-assured CEO Seo Dan-ah.
Adapted on a well-known webtoon, So I Married an Anti-fan (2021) has Lee Geun-young in the starring role.
In the passionate drama If You Wish Upon Me (2022), a supporting part.

Movies: I AM (2012): A documentary on the performers from SM Entertainment.
Memories of a Dead End (2019): A leading part in a Korean-Japanese movie that demonstrated her fluency in two languages.
Girl Cops (2019): She made a brief appearance.
A appearance in the thriller Web Series: Tell Me What You Saw (2020).
Sooyoung is a rising celebrity in South Korean television thanks to her ability to play multifaceted characters in melodrama, comedy, romance, and thrillers. Her performance in Run On, which showcased her inherent chemistry and depth, was a turning point in her career.

Television and Hosting:

Sooyoung is a natural on TV because of her charisma and quick wit. She has made appearances as a guest judge on Street Woman Fighter, Running Man, and Knowing Bros. Among her hosting credits are:
In 2015, she co-hosted Midnight TV Entertainment, displaying her eloquence.
Style Follow (2019): A lifestyle and fashion initiative.
Award Presentations: She has served as the emcee of the 2019 Gaon Chart Music Awards and the 2017 Seoul Music Awards.
Because she strikes a balance between humor and professionalism, her television persona has won over viewers.

Modeling and Endorsements:

Sooyoung is a favorite of companies like Chanel, Prada, and Double-M because of her elegant style and statuesque form. She has adorned the covers of Marie Claire, W Korea, and Vogue Korea and starred in advertisements for Skechers, Kolon Sport, and L'Oréal Paris. Her wealth is largely derived from her fashion influence, which frequently combines upscale and informal styles.

2025 Net Worth:

Choi Soo-young's estimated net worth in 2025 ranges from $10 million to $18 million, which reflects her variety of sources of income:
Music: A significant amount of her money comes from Girls' Generation's album sales, concerts, and subgroup operations.
Acting: She reportedly makes between $20,000 and $50,000 per episode in lead parts in dramas like Run On and So I Married an Anti-fan, with film appearances contributing to her earnings.
Endorsements: Prominent agreements with lifestyle and luxury brands bring anywhere between $200,000 and $600,000 a year.
TV: Variety show appearances and hosting bring around $5,000 to $15,000 each show.
Social media: Sooyoung makes between $10,000 and $25,000 every sponsored post and has over 6 million Instagram followers.
Her expanding prominence in the entertainment sector and wise investments, like as real estate in Seoul's affluent Gangnam neighborhood, support her financial success.

Personal Life:

Since 2012, Sooyoung and actor Jung Kyung-ho have been together for an extended period of time. Known for their quiet romance, the couple has been seen encouraging one another's endeavors, with Sooyoung complimenting Jung's dramas and Jung going to Girls' Generation concerts. Fans respect their steady relationship, despite the fact that they have not openly discussed intentions to get married.
Sooyoung is an avid traveler, foodie, and fashionista who frequently posts about her experiences on Instagram. Her affection for dogs is widely known, as seen by the regular appearance of her pets, Mori and Cheri, in her posts. She takes inspiration from her sister's job and appreciates musical theater. She also does yoga for well-being.
Sooyoung is a devoted Christian who finds strength in her faith and regularly attends church. She has been an ambassador for the Korea Retinitis Pigmentosa Society since 2014 and is also a committed philanthropist. Motivated by her father's illness, she advocates for visual impairment awareness through public campaigns and fundraising activities.