This past July, when TOMORROW X TOGETHER member SOOBIN was on the MBC show “Radio Star,” he showed off his watermelon-eating talent. Claiming he could eat a large slice of the melon in just three seconds, SOOBIN had worked on the feat specifically to make a lasting impression with his first appearance on a major variety show. “It’s our seventh year, why are you going this far?” the rest of his group teased, as SOOBIN isn’t exactly known for being a big eater or wolfing his meals down. Nevertheless, he put in a great deal of effort to fit in with the whole atmosphere of the show. “Radio Star” is all about having a sharp wit and intriguing anecdotes, and as such, SOOBIN prepared a bit where he humorously compared the longtime celebrities on the panel to really specific foods. He may have chosen some spicy words for the gag, but the idol couldn’t quite betray his signature quiet voice or hide his slightly trembling hands. Even though he gave his all to bring the right energy to the show, the episode made it pretty clear to see that he isn’t in his natural element in a setting like that—or when speaking that way. But maybe it was for that very same reason that SOOBIN’s perpetual sense of determination—his drive to give his best in everything he does—ultimately brought his distinct presence into the spotlight.
When FTISLAND member Lee Hongki asked who in TOMORROW X TOGETHER takes the lead when it comes to variety shows, SOOBIN answered in his usual matter-of-fact way, “Uh… actually, we’re a boring group of people”—as if it were obvious. He explained in total honesty that he practiced the watermelon act because he thought it might have more impact than the typical impersonations, dance moves, or singing. He also admitted on Hyeri’s YouTube series “Hyell’s Club” that he hadn’t fully familiarized himself with the pitch for their new album yet because of everything else going on, though he immediately followed that up by diligently explaining what he could. He even sheepishly shared a story about lying to the rest of the group about not passing his driving test on the first try because he was worried they might tease him. His distinctively honest approach became a source of entertainment in itself—something that led Kim Gura to joke on “Radio Star,” “I know what he’s good at now! It’s straight-up pleading!” SOOBIN maintains the same straightforward attitude when it comes to his positive traits, too, and is always quick to accept—and sometimes agree with—a compliment. When he was introduced on “Hyell’s Club” as “the most famous among [KARA’s fandom] Kamilia,” he responded with his signature radiant smile and confidence: “That’s how it’s become.” On “Radio Star,” he explained that his looks made him part of the lineup of “HYBE’s pure and radiant” idols, and on “Idol Human Theater,” when fellow TOMORROW X TOGETHER member BEOMGYU said “SOOBIN is good-looking,” SOOBIN responded without hesitation, “Can’t argue with that.” In other words, SOOBIN has no problem acknowledging his own good qualities anytime they come up.
SOOBIN has a knack for immediately offering small but uplifting compliments whenever he notices something good about someone else. When actor and big-time K-pop stan Kim Jihun sang a line from a song on the YouTube variety show “Faves’ Faves,” his reaction was, “Wow, your voice is really good!” On another YouTube series, “Diva Village Queen Gabee,” when the producer Sadness asked if SOOBIN was okay with their playful, over-the-top comments, he responded, “It was great. Where else would I hear stuff like that?” In the very first episode of “Faves’ Faves,” SOOBIN started out using informal Korean speech in line with the show’s concept of introducing a fan club for his bias, KARA, but as soon as he realized the film crew, in the role of his classmates, were measurably older than him, he immediately switched to honorific speech instead. Even though the show gave SOOBIN the necessary pretext to speak that way, he evidently has practiced politeness right down to the bones. While SOOBIN occasionally says something blunt for comedic effect, his inherent respect and thoughtfulness toward others are always present. For example, when ENHYPEN member and ramyeon nerd HEESEUNG talked about how much he loves Neoguri instant noodles, SOOBIN jokingly responded, “I don’t really like Neoguri,” and teased that HEESEUNG must not have very engaging interests if he was just on to promote his love of ramyeon. Immediately after that, though, SOOBIN was there to catch the ENHYPEN member before tucking into some ramyeon blindfolded, telling him, “The bottom is hot, so hold the top of it,” later remarking how HEESEUNG seemed to “love ramyeon, way more than I thought.” That’s just his way of turning moments into something entertaining—like when Lee Young Ji caught SOOBIN stifling a yawn as she passionately promoted her love of vegetable gopchang, or when he ultimately declined to join her foodie fan club. By stifling a real yawn and building up to a conclusion where he rejects the entire premise, SOOBIN can turn any situation into pure entertainment gold. His unwavering kindness and respect all throughout the show allows his sense of humor to feel lighthearted and enjoyable no matter what.
“Faves’ Faves” invites guests with diverse interests—spanning K-pop, sports, dramas, variety shows, fish, video games, and more—to nerd out and showcase what they’re most passionate about. “It was so fun and exciting to talk about my interests and have someone actually listen,” SOOBIN said on the show. The idol approaches his guests with a mindset informed by his own experience talking all about his love of KARA when he first started the series. The way SOOBIN opens up about his passions and sincerely engages with other people’s deep interests is what makes “Faves’ Faves” so engaging. Even if SOOBIN isn’t an expert on every topic, he fosters a relaxed atmosphere with his trademark honesty and by asking questions based on his own experiences. He openly admitted to not knowing anything about baseball when WOONHAK from BOYNEXTDOOR talked about his favorite players, turning it into an opportunity for the younger idol to elaborate further. When beauty influencer Risabae asked SOOBIN if he was interested in makeup, he candidly replied, “I know absolutely nothing about this stuff,” before explaining, “Thought it’d be nice to know a bit.” Rather than going over the top to pretend he already shares his guests’ interests, SOOBIN encourages them to open up by making his desire to hear more perfectly clear. As a result, the questions he asks tend to be framed around universal curiosity and feel instinctively relatable to anyone watching. For instance, he suggested to WOOYOUNG, the ATEEZ member and a Harry Potter lover, that “if you’re a fan of a work, there must be a couple you root for.” He also posed a practical yet intriguing scenario to Mimiminu, a dedicated G-DRAGON fan, asking what he would do if “G-DRAGON’s concert… coincided with the anniversary with your girlfriend.” And when DAY6 member Young K mentioned he relieves stress by playing “Overwatch 2,” SOOBIN wondered whether that really works and wouldn’t just add to the stress instead—something any gamer can no doubt relate to. By finding things everyone can relate to in his conversations with guests and sprinkling in everyday questions, SOOBIN has an amazing capacity as host to draw every one of his viewers in, even if they’re not familiar with the topic at hand.
SOOBIN has opened up now and then about the disconnect he feels between his innate personality and the unique circumstances of being a K-pop idol. He once shared how challenging it was for him to fully enjoy himself, even after he had just performed at a major music festival with everything he’s got. When on Lee Young Ji’s YouTube series “Nothing Prepared” in 2022, he even admitted with complete honesty that his “personality is not a good fit for a celebrity.” But at the same time, even during the same year, he told “Weverse Magazine” in an interview, “I love that there’s no divide between the person Choi Soobin and the idol Choi Soobin.” While he’s upfront about the struggles he faces as a regular person, he also seamlessly incorporates those personal experiences and emotions when he’s in the spotlight. For instance, he keeps his 15 million Instagram followers up to date with everyday photos of himself snapped by friends with the hashtag #monthlysoobin. Even when the group’s touring around the world, nothing makes him happier than taking a break to chow down and watch some of his favorites. In a recent interview with “GQ Korea,” he mentioned that among the experiences currently on his wish list is to stay at a guesthouse. It’s no coincidence that a number of the comments under episodes of “Faves’ Faves” mention how his genuine reactions make watching people talk about unfamiliar topics a joy, or how the show made them become fans of SOOBIN himself. As a celebrity, SOOBIN might live an exceptional life, but he’s right at home connecting with people thanks to his trademark honesty, and he does it in a way that anyone his age can resonate with.
“I don’t have high self-esteem, but I don’t put myself down either,” SOOBIN said in an interview with “DAZED.” “I just think, ‘If I’m not good enough, it is what it is.’ I’ll just try harder.” It isn’t easy to balance being open with followers and keeping your self-confidence in check when you’re a K-pop artist, having to constantly give listeners something new and then hearing exactly what people think of you. And yet, as SOOBIN said in the interview, he strives to accept himself for who he is while still embracing a determination to improve himself. In a behind-the-scenes look at TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s latest album, “The Name Chapter: TOGETHER,” SOOBIN talked about how “if it’s a note I can’t hit, I would just say I can’t do it, but it’s a note I can barely hit.” He pushed through thanks to relentless practice and found his voice, filling the line “a promise of eternity” with a sincerity that resounds with determination. When SOOBIN hits those high notes, he embodies the resolute spirit of someone who doesn’t give up, no matter how difficult the task. A little while back, the idol revealed a secret from a much earlier time that he’d even kept from the group and fans—that he had privately taken extra dance lessons to prepare for a comeback, saying, “Seeing as I’m slow, I have to work harder to keep up with the other members.” Though he often describes himself as an ordinary person, what the world sees after all the hard work SOOBIN puts in is someone who radiates an energy all his own. For example, three years ago, SOOBIN went absolutely viral when he expertly performed choreography from his longtime favorite K-pop girl and boy groups in a pink cardigan on “The Game Caterers,” earning him the nickname Pink Cardigan Guy. Moments like these aren’t about how he might come across, but rather about his commitment to doing his best at the task at hand and confidently enjoying what he loves. And even if he wouldn’t call himself confident outright, SOOBIN consistently pours his all into everything he does—the result of which is an idol who truly shines.
SOOBIN sounds fresher and more carefree than ever on “Sunday Driver,” his solo song released July 21. In the accompanying music video, his car breaks down while out for a drive, at which point he stumbles upon a potted plant, carefully picks it up, and places it gingerly on the passenger seat. He ends up along for the ride as he’s moved along by a tow truck, turning even a predicament like this into just another joyride. As long as he can take his newfound discovery along with him, SOOBIN can make every day a laid-back Sunday, even if they “stray from the path to somewhere new.” As “Sunday Driver” shows, those who cherish the small things in life inevitably uncover hidden pieces of magic wherever they go. “Oh, is it not a forest but the sea,” he sang in his cover of “Forest” last February. Over the opening notes of a lone guitar, SOOBIN’s voice trembles unabashedly in a way that sentimentally suggests that artists and their fans share a bond that allows them to be “forest” or “sea” for one another. You don’t have to be just like all the tower trees around you just because they’re all you can see. Maybe you always believed you needed to be a part of the forest, but as it turns out, you could be the ocean instead. Maybe that’s the conclusion SOOBIN personally came to after everything he’s been through. The life of a K-pop artist is far from ordinary, and yet the TOMORROW X TOGETHER member faces these extraordinary circumstances in his own steady way. He’s completely open about all his interests, no matter what they are, sticks to his personal standards of respect and decency, and when the going gets tough, he doesn’t put blinders on—he puts his best foot forward and presses on. This kindness rooted in integrity seems to be a sentiment that courses through his veins, and it explains why so many feel at ease just watching him. And for that, SOOBIN is an idol just for being himself.
