Choi was born in Seoul in 1962. Choi's family has been active in acting, and singing . Choi was born as the son of Choi Moo-ryong, a popular actor of the 1960s and 1970s, and Kang Hyo-shil, an Actress. His maternal grandmother is Jeon Ok, referred to as Queen of Tears for her excellence at acting for tragic dramas. His grandfather is Kang Hong-shik, an actor, a film Director and singer active during the Japanese occupation period. Kang Hong-sik and Jeon Ok were the first married couple in Korean entertainment history. Kang went over to North Korea along with his daughter Kang Hyo-son who later became a famous Actress of North Korea. Kang Hong-shik was honored as "Merited artist" as well.