Your Bias, Our Bias- Choi Minho!

CHOI MINHO (최민호)

Birthday: December 9th, 1991

Blood Type: B

Height: 6'

Debut: May 25th, 2008

Agency: SM Entertainment

He has no personal SNS accounts

["I’m not good at handling SNS and I don’t feel the need to start one... I'd rather hold a photo gallery exhibition in the future.”]

"Who doesn't love a man in uniform?" Growing up near a military base, I can attest that not everyone fills out military dress in quite the same way. But put a uniform on SHINee's founding member, Choi Minho you can understand where the expression comes from.

Choi Minho enlisted in the Marine Corps on April 15th, 2019 and in a recent article for Military Manpower Administration Magazine, he explained why he chose to enlist with the Marine's specifically; "I applied (to the Marine Corps) because I thought it would be a great asset and experience for me. I joined the army a little bit later than others but I believed I had as much stamina as some of the younger members."

He certainly proved himself in military training, receiving an award for excellence and impressing netizens, when pictures emerged of SHINee's Minho diving from a height of 10 meters and completing other military training while still maintaining his movie-star good looks.

Just before enlisting he shared this letter with fans:

"Hello, it’s SHINee’s Minho!

It’s been a long time since I’ve written out my thoughts like this. Everyone knows right? I'll be joining the military on April 15. It may feel short, it may feel long, but I really will be away from you all for just a short while.

Time has passed by very quickly since my debut on May 25, 2008. It's been a happy, delightful, and absolutely unforgettable time with everyone.

I think the fact that I have been able to experience so many things and so much growth is thanks to your interest and support.

Thinking back and reminiscing for a moment; I never imagined that I'd receive all the love and support I did, from SHINee World, since I know how much am lacking. SHINee World became a source of warmth and comfort for me when I ran forward and worked hard and only looked after myself. I sincerely want to thank everyone again.

Just the fact that someone was next to me was a huge source of happiness. I'm really going to miss our SHINee World who have helped me grow, helped me look back on my past, helped shape me so that I can be more flexible, who continue to help me enthusiastically look forward to the future.

You help me remember that being stiff isn’t always necessary.

I'm sorry that I'm not able to connect more with you guys, or that I can’t express myself more clearly. I am really very sorry… ^^

But you still all know how thankful I am and that love you all, right??? I'll hold on to all of the support you have given me and return from the military healthy.

I'll work even harder in the military so I won’t disappoint you all and I'll do my best to keep that positive energy. Thank you again and again. I love you all!!! You are forever my hope.

2019.4.14 SHINee Choi Minho

P.S. Everyone, you know I’m Choi Minho, right!? So don’t worry!! Pilseung!!!"

Choi Minho loves his exclamation points, doesn't he??!!!! ^^

And I have to say, they really do suggest an enthusiasm and love for his fans.

Minho will be released from military duty on Nov. 15th, 2020, and Hallyu and Kpop fans alike are anxiously awaiting news of his first projects after his release.

While we wait, we can be grateful to MMA Magazine for making him the cover boy for their January issue; with a full photoshoot for those hungry for news of their #1 bias.

Minho mentioned his SHINee brothers in the MMA article saying, "When I joined the army not long ago, I expected the other members to send me a letter but no one has. But these days, I am able to use my cell phone so I often talk to them. We've all promised to meet after adjusting our vacation dates. I think our affection for each other has grown a lot."

And to his fans, he reiterated what he said in his parting letter: "Thanks for always loving and supporting me. I read the letters you guys send me every week. Each letter is filled with warmth and has been a consolation and support to me. I have one year left. Please wait a little bit more. Thank you."

While you wait, let us share some of our favorite Minho Moments.

Basically anytime the Hwarang cast is together, we are there for it!

(Did you know Minho made his acting debut in 2010, with the KBS2's drama special, Pianist, alongside actress Han Ji-hye?)

And we love it when he is given the chance to show off his seriously impressive soccer skills.

(Fun Fact: Did you know he was recruited to the Marine Corps' FC as well? ...And that his dad, Choi Yun-kyum, is a well-known soccer coach.

Minho must have enjoyed his dad's coaching when he was younger because when he showed off his skills in shows like Our Town's Physical Variety, he earned high praise from Lee Young-Pyo, a retired member of the national team. In an interview with Korea Joongang Daily, Minho said, "I wanted to become a professional football player like my dad, ...But when I was a fifth-grader, he told me he would kick me out of the house if I pursued that dream. That was the first time he disapproved of something I did so I decided to give up the dream."

His father elaborated, saying, "Frankly, I didn't want him to follow my path, ... Back when I was playing, it was very abusive and difficult to make it in that world. I'd stay home for a couple of hours and then have to leave for training camp again. It pained me to see my son asking me to stay over for the night.")

I personally, am glad that Minho chose SHINee and a career in entertainment because I might not have known of him otherwise.

We also love it when he is showing off his caring, fatherly side with the TROS kids. Could Minho and Sian be any cuter together?

(Another Fun Fact: In 2011, Choi Minho was named "Honorary Ambassador for Youth 2011," and just a few years later, Minho and Yoona were appointed as UNICEF Unihero Campaign Ambassadors "Giving Hope to the Children".

In 2016, Minho became part of UNICEF's #IMAGINEcampaign, first introduced in 2014 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of the Child.)

And who can resist his cheeky smiles, when he can't help outshining the First Lady of the United States of America.

The incident trended around the world with accolades for both Melania Trump and Choi Minho in handling the incident with such grace and humility.

We also love it when Minho speaks English... because of course, one must hope to meet your bias and be able to chat over a coffee on a rainy afternoon in Seoul... and for that you need a common language.

And of course, we love it when he sings, no matter what the language.

What are some of your favorite Minho Moments?

#BIASOFTHEWEEK, #CHOIMINHO #SHINEE