Unconventional Dietary Habits and Food Safety Concerns
The broadcast took an unexpected turn when the show’s primary host, Seo Jang Hoon, known for his own meticulous cleanliness and strict standards, began questioning Choi Daniel about his daily routine. Seo revealed that the actor’s lifestyle might be the most fitting for the show’s premise, which typically focuses on the unpolished lives of bachelors. "He is the perfect fit for the show," Seo remarked, before listing a series of behaviors that left the studio panel, consisting of the mothers of other celebrities, in a state of visible shock.
According to Seo, Choi Daniel frequently consumes milk that has been expired for up to a week and has a habit of simply cutting away moldy portions of food to consume the remainder. However, the revelation that garnered the most attention was the actor’s penchant for baby formula. When confronted with the claim that he drinks baby formula every morning, Choi offered a clarification that was as surprising as the initial accusation. He explained that while it is not a daily ritual, he frequently finds himself craving the taste of the powdered supplement. "I don’t eat it every morning," he stated, "but don’t you sometimes crave baby formula? It tastes good when you chew the powder."
From a nutritional and food safety perspective, Choi’s habits sit in a gray area. While some adults occasionally consume baby formula for its dense vitamin and mineral content, it is specifically formulated for the digestive systems of infants. More concerning to the panel was his approach to expired and moldy food. Health experts generally advise against the "cutting away" method for porous foods like bread or soft fruits, as mold filaments (hyphae) can penetrate deep into the food beyond what is visible to the naked eye. The actor’s nonchalant attitude toward food safety suggests a rugged, perhaps overly frugal, lifestyle that contrasts sharply with the sophisticated characters he often portrays on screen.
The Image "Betrayal": Intellectual Persona vs. Reality
Choi Daniel has long been associated with an "intellectual" or "smart" image in the South Korean media, largely due to his breakthrough role in the sitcom High Kick! Through the Roof, where he played a cold but brilliant medical resident. His signature look, which almost always includes a pair of stylish glasses, has reinforced this perception. Ironically, it is well-known among his fanbase that Choi does not actually require corrective lenses and wears the glasses primarily as a fashion choice to enhance his professional aesthetic.
During the My Little Old Boy episode, Seo Jang Hoon categorized Choi as part of a "trio of betrayals"—celebrities whose real lives stand in stark opposition to their public personas. This list included indie musician Jang Kiha, who, despite his bohemian image, had reportedly never lived alone until recently, and veteran actor Lee Sung Min, who frequently plays authoritative, alcohol-consuming characters but cannot tolerate a single drop of liquor in reality.
The "betrayal" in Choi’s case involves his academic record, specifically his performance on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), or Suneung. The CSAT is a high-stakes, eight-hour marathon exam that determines university placement and is considered a defining moment in a South Korean student’s life. Seo revealed that Choi Daniel scored a mere 5 points out of 100 on the mathematics section of the exam.
Choi did not shy away from the topic, offering an explanation that only deepened the humor of the situation. "I finished solving all the problems, so I double-checked my answers and went to sleep," he admitted. He further noted the statistical anomaly of his score, stating, "What’s even more shocking is that even if I just randomly guessed the answers, I would still get over 10 points." The fact that he actively engaged with the problems and "double-checked" them, only to arrive at a score lower than what probability would suggest for random guessing, highlights a profound disconnect between his studious appearance and his mathematical aptitude.
Social Dynamics and the "King’s Game" Incident
The episode also delved into Choi’s romantic history and social life, providing a glimpse into the drinking culture of South Korea during the actor’s youth. Choi recounted the story of his first kiss, which occurred in his early 20s under unconventional circumstances. The event took place during a "King’s Game" (Wang-geim), a popular social drinking game where one person, designated as the "King," issues anonymous orders to the other participants based on assigned numbers.
"The King told numbers two and four to kiss, so I ended up kissing an older woman," Choi recalled. He described the psychological impact of the forced encounter, noting that the physical intimacy led to the sudden development of genuine feelings. "It was my first kiss, and after kissing her, she suddenly looked so pretty to me. I liked her for quite a while."
This anecdote provides a candid look at the social pressures and accidental romances that often stem from South Korea’s group-oriented social gatherings. It also humanizes an actor who has often been cast as the "unreachable" or "perfect" male lead, showing a more vulnerable and impressionable side of his personality.
Chronology of Choi Daniel’s Public Image Evolution
To understand the impact of these revelations, it is necessary to look at the timeline of Choi Daniel’s career.
- 2005–2008: Early Career: Choi debuted as a television actor, taking on minor roles that did not immediately establish a fixed persona.
- 2009: The High Kick! Era: His role as Lee Ji-hoon in High Kick! Through the Roof catapulted him to stardom. The character’s intelligence and professional success created the "Doctor Image" that would follow him for over a decade.
- 2011–2015: Versatility and the "Heodang" Hint: While continuing to play professional roles in dramas like Baby Faced Beauty and School 2013, variety show appearances began to hint at a "Heodang" (a Korean term for someone who looks perfect but is surprisingly clumsy) personality.
- 2020–Present: Embracing the Real Self: In recent years, Choi has become more open about his true nature. His participation in variety shows like The Manager and now My Little Old Boy signals a shift from maintaining a character to embracing his authentic, somewhat eccentric self.
Analysis of Implications for Celebrity Branding
The public’s reaction to Choi Daniel’s "exposure" has been largely positive, reflecting a broader trend in South Korean entertainment where "human" flaws are increasingly valued over "perfect" facades. In the past, a celebrity admitting to poor academic performance or unhygienic eating habits might have faced criticism or a loss of endorsements. However, in the current media landscape, such transparency is often seen as "relatable" (gong-gam).
The "Heodang" charm has become a potent branding tool. By admitting to scoring 5 points in math or enjoying the texture of baby formula powder, Choi Daniel bridges the gap between the glamorous world of K-Dramas and the mundane, sometimes messy reality of his audience. This authenticity fosters a deeper sense of loyalty among fans, who feel they are seeing the "real" person behind the screen.
Furthermore, the success of programs like My Little Old Boy lies in their ability to strip away the artifice of celebrity. The show’s format, which involves mothers watching their adult sons’ lives, adds a layer of maternal scrutiny that forces honesty. When Choi Daniel admits to eating moldy food, the reaction of the "Moms" on the panel mirrors that of the general public—a mix of horror, amusement, and endearment.
Broader Cultural Context: The CSAT and Social Expectations
The revelation regarding Choi’s CSAT score also serves as a subtle critique of the immense pressure placed on South Korean youth. In a society where academic success is often equated with personal worth, an accomplished and successful actor admitting to a near-zero score in mathematics provides a form of social catharsis. it suggests that one’s performance on a single standardized test does not preclude a successful and fulfilling career in other fields.
Choi Daniel’s career serves as a testament to the fact that talent in the arts and interpersonal charisma are not measured by mathematical proficiency. His ability to laugh at his younger self’s academic failures resonates with a generation of viewers who may have felt the same crushing weight of expectation.
Conclusion
Choi Daniel’s appearance on My Little Old Boy was more than just a collection of humorous anecdotes; it was a masterclass in modern celebrity transparency. By openly discussing his unconventional eating habits, his academic struggles, and his awkward first steps into romance, he successfully transitioned from a static "intellectual" archetype to a multifaceted, relatable individual. While his penchant for baby formula and week-old milk may continue to baffle the show’s panel and the public alike, it is precisely these quirks that have solidified his standing as one of the most candid and endearing figures in the industry today. As the line between public and private life continues to blur in the digital age, Choi Daniel’s willingness to be "exposed" may well be the most strategic—and authentic—move of his 40-year-old life.