Choi Mina Sue’s name is so unique that once you hear it, it is hard to forget. She shared, “When my parents were living in Australia and expecting me, they wanted to name me ‘Mina.’ But my grandmother insisted that adding ‘Sue’ would help me grow up beautifully, so the name ‘Mina Sue’ was completed that way.”
She added, “When we returned to Korea to officially register my name, they chose beautiful Chinese characters as well: ‘Mi’ (美 – beautiful), ‘Na’ (娜 – graceful), and ‘Sue’ (秀 – outstanding).”
Her life seems to have followed the meaning of her name. In 2021, when she was in her early twenties, she competed in a national beauty pageant and placed as a runner-up. The following year, she represented Korea at the global beauty competition “Miss Earth” and became the first Korean to win the title.
Afterward, she challenged herself with acting by appearing in several dramas. She later gained significant attention through “Single’s Inferno 5,” leaving a strong impression on viewers.
Although she had previously received offers to appear on “Single’s Inferno,” she had declined. She explained: “I felt shy about showing my personal side under the theme of love, and I had many concerns.”
She continued, “I started thinking, ‘I want to show more diverse sides of myself,’ and eventually, I gathered the courage to decide to appear.”
— The panelists’ reactions to your behavior (such as ‘Please stop’ and ‘You did the same’) became a hot topic. Were you hurt when you saw them?
▶ I didn’t purposely look them up, but I did come across some through short clips and media coverage. Since I was already aware of them, I thought it would be better not to watch too much.
— Many people are also curious about the wrap party for “Single’s Inferno 5,” especially your meeting with Hong Jin Kyung.
▶ Even if the panelists said negative things, I wasn’t deeply affected. Of course, if I kept watching it repeatedly and let it sink into my mind, it would hurt more. But the panelists need to react honestly for viewers to relate. Even I can see that I acted strangely at times. (laughs) I think those were comments I deserved to hear. Rather, I’m thankful they wrapped things up well.
— The “apology photo” you took with Hong Jin Kyung also drew attention.
▶ It was actually my first time attending a wrap party like that. While we were eating, senior Hong Jin Kyung approached me brightly and immediately apologized, then suggested we take a photo together. She handled it in such a cheerful way, and I was very grateful.
— Was the idea for the “apology photo” Hong Jin Kyung’s?
▶ Yes. At first, I worried, “What if this photo makes me receive even more hate?” But thankfully, she handled it very professionally, and I was truly grateful. In fact, the panelists apologized to all the contestants. We actually felt more thankful. It was a very warm gathering.
— Some reactions call you “the second Dex.”
▶ Rather than being the second Dex, I want to be the first Choi Mina Sue. Not just me—everyone has their own unique story. I want to show the side of me that only I can present.
— What are your future plans?
▶ If given the opportunity, I want to pursue various activities. I believe there are still many sides of me that I haven’t shown yet. I want to show a more mature version of myself. I only have three years left in my twenties, and I want to fill them fully and leave behind many shining moments.
— Do you have specific goals, such as acting, variety shows, or modeling?
▶ I’m still thinking about it. If opportunities come my way, I want to work hard at anything. I enjoy standing in front of the camera and feel confident on stage. I want to try many different things. Variety shows like that would be great, and I also like YouTube web variety shows. I’d love to share more of my daily life. If I can do MC work or acting, I think it would be very enjoyable.
— Do you have a role model?
▶ Rather than having a role model, I want to become someone who can be a role model to others. I want to show images that break stereotypes. Even during the Miss Korea competition, I worked very hard to move away from a polished, conventional image. In the future, I want to continue showing new challenges and fresh sides of myself.
Sources: Star News