While the exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, it has been reported that Choi had been managing a chronic illness.
Born in 1957, Choi Jung-woo embarked on his extensive career in 1975 with his debut stage performance in the play "The Life of an Actor." He later lent his distinctive voice to Tongyang Broadcasting Company, beginning his work as a voice actor in 1980.
Although he dedicated a significant portion of his early career to the theatrical stage, Choi seamlessly transitioned into film and television roles in the 2000s, accumulating a remarkable list of dozens of acclaimed works. His filmography includes notable titles such as "Two Cops," "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance," "The Chaser," "The Witch," "Smugglers," "The Moon," and "Project Silence."
On the small screen, he graced numerous popular dramas, including "The Painter of the Wind," "Prosecutor Princess," "Tree with Deep Roots," "My Daughter Seo-young," "A Brilliant Legacy," "Doctor Stranger," "The Legend of the Blue Sea," "Five Children," "Star Daughter-in-law," "Even if You Fall for Me," and "The Witch." Earlier this year, he was seen playing the character Park Joon-ki in "The Tale of Lady Ok," a role that saw him portray a figure suspicious of the protagonist Koo Deok-I, played by Lim Ji-yeon.
Choi Jung-woo's wake is currently being held at the funeral hall of Woori Hospital in Gimpo. The funeral service is scheduled to take place on Thursday, with burial to follow at Suwon Yeonhwa Cemetery. He leaves behind a legacy of diverse and impactful performances that spanned nearly five decades, endearing him to fans across South Korea and beyond.