After six years of living as a hermit in the mountains of Jeju Island, Korean mixed martial arts fighter-turned-entertainer Choi Hong-man has revealed he's currently dating, thanks to help from comedian friend Tak Jae-hoon. The 7-foot-2 giant, who once competed in PRIDE Fighting Championships and K-1, shared the surprising news on a recent variety show, marking a potential turning point in his long journey back to public life.
For American readers unfamiliar with Choi Hong-man's story, imagine if a beloved NFL player suddenly disappeared from public view for half a decade due to false allegations, living in complete isolation while battling severe social anxiety. That's essentially what happened to this Korean entertainment figure who was once one of Asia's most recognizable faces in combat sports.
From MMA Champion to Social Outcast
Choi Hong-man's fall from grace began in 2011 when he faced false accusations of assaulting a female college student. Despite prosecutors ultimately deciding not to pursue charges and Choi's repeated denials, the rumors devastated his career and mental health. The incident created a perfect storm of public backlash that forced him into self-imposed exile.
To understand the severity of Korean cancel culture, American readers should know that South Korea's entertainment industry operates under much stricter moral standards than Hollywood. A single scandal, even when unfounded, can permanently end careers. This cultural context explains why Choi chose complete isolation rather than attempting to rebuild his reputation through legal means or public relations campaigns.
Since 2019, the former heavyweight has been living alone in Jeju Island's mountainous regions, only venturing out during dawn hours when no people are around. He developed severe social phobia, unable to appear in public without wearing masks. This level of social withdrawal is particularly striking in Korea, where community connections and public appearances are crucial for maintaining celebrity status.
The Matchmaker: Comedian Tak Jae-hoon's Intervention
Enter Tak Jae-hoon, a veteran Korean comedian known for his outspoken personality and loyalty to friends. In American entertainment terms, think of him as a combination of late-night talk show host and stand-up comedian, but with the cultural authority to publicly advocate for his friends on television. Tak has been actively using his variety show platforms to help Choi find romance, essentially serving as a public matchmaker.
The intervention worked remarkably well. According to Choi, "Thanks to Brother Tak Jae-hoon, more than 10 women have contacted me, and I'm currently in the talking stage with someone." This development represents a significant breakthrough for someone who has been completely isolated from romantic relationships for years due to trauma from past public dating experiences.
Korean entertainment culture places enormous pressure on celebrity relationships, with fans and media scrutinizing every aspect of stars' personal lives. For American comparison, imagine if every celebrity relationship received the same level of invasive coverage as Taylor Swift's dating life, but multiplied by ten. This intense scrutiny had previously made dating impossible for Choi, who recalls how past relationships were disrupted by constant public confrontations and harassment.
Specific Dating Preferences Reveal Cultural Context
Choi's publicly stated romantic preferences offer insight into Korean beauty standards and relationship dynamics. He describes his ideal partner as "168cm tall, 52kg, with a small butt" and someone "I can hold with one hand," which translates to about 5'6" and 115 pounds for American readers. These specific physical preferences reflect Korean entertainment industry beauty standards, which tend to favor petite figures.
More tellingly, Choi also expressed preference for women with "masculine personalities who can protect me," referencing a past girlfriend who once overturned a dinner table while defending him from verbal harassment, saying "Don't talk to my boyfriend like that." This preference reveals both his vulnerability and the reality of dating as a controversial public figure in Korea.
Entertainment Industry Comeback Signals
Choi's romantic revival coincides with subtle signs of his entertainment industry return. In May 2025, he was photographed embracing comedians Kim Won-hoon and Jo Jin-se, marking rare public appearances. Industry insiders suggest that finding emotional stability through romance could pave the way for his full return to broadcasting.
The Korean entertainment rehabilitation process is notably different from American celebrity comebacks. While American stars might return through strategic interviews or social media campaigns, Korean entertainers typically require gradual reintegration through variety show appearances and public demonstrations of personal growth. Choi's willingness to discuss his romantic life publicly signals his readiness to re-engage with media attention.
Meanwhile, his matchmaker Tak Jae-hoon has been generating his own headlines through a publicity relationship with 83-year-old actress Kim Yong-rim, whom he introduced as his "girlfriend" on SBS variety show 'My Turn.' This 28-year age gap relationship appears to be primarily comedic performance art, but it demonstrates Tak's commitment to keeping romance in the public conversation.
Cultural Significance and Mental Health Awareness
Choi Hong-man's story highlights broader issues of mental health and social ostracism in Korean society. His six-year hermit experience represents an extreme case of how public shaming can devastate individuals, even when accusations prove unfounded. For American audiences, this situation parallels discussions about cancel culture's long-term psychological effects, but with the added dimension of Korea's particularly rigid social hierarchy and shame-based cultural values.
The fact that a comedian friend's intervention proved more effective than professional help or legal vindication also speaks to the power of personal relationships in Korean society. Tak Jae-hoon's public advocacy essentially provided social cover for women to contact Choi without facing public criticism themselves.
As Choi cautiously re-enters public life through romance, his journey offers insights into celebrity rehabilitation, the importance of loyal friendships, and the possibility of redemption even after years of social exile. His story resonates particularly in an era when public figures worldwide face instant judgment through social media, making his gradual return both inspiring and culturally significant.
Whether this romantic revival will successfully transition into full entertainment industry rehabilitation remains to be seen. However, for a man who spent six years speaking only to mountain winds, having meaningful conversations with a potential romantic partner represents a significant victory against isolation and social anxiety.
Read the original Korean article: https://trendy.storydot.kr/entertainment-choi-hongman-dating-sep09-2nd/
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