Choi Jung-hoon
{{short description|South Korean singer and songwriter (born 1992)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{family name hatnote|Choi||lang=Korean}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Choi Jung-hoon
| image = Choi Jung-hoon's Promotion of Grippin' the Green ver2.jpg
| image_upright =
| caption = Choi in 2022
| image_size =
| alt =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|03|10|mf=yes}}
| birth_place = Bundang, South Korea
| education = Kyung Hee University
| occupation = {{hlist|Musician|singer-songwriter|record producer}}
| works = {{flatlist|
}}
| honours =
| years_active = 2012–present
| signature =
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| alias =
| genre = {{hlist|Indie rock|indie pop|modern rock|folk rock}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|piano}}
| label = Peponi Music
| current_member_of = Jannabi
}}
| module2 = {{Infobox Korean name|child=yes|headercolor=transparent
| hangul = 최정훈
| hanja = 崔正勳
| rr = Choe Jeonghun
| mr = Ch'oe Chŏnghun
}}
}}
Choi Jung-hoon ({{Korean|hangul=최정훈}}; born March 10, 1992) is a South Korean musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the frontman, primary songwriter, and record producer of the indie rock band Jannabi.
Early life and education
Choi Jung-hoon was born on March 10, 1992, in Bundang, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.{{Cite news|url=http://news.imaeil.com/page/view/2019042220314497823|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈 안녕하세요 출연 예정 "나이는? 출신은?"|date=April 22, 2019}} His family consists of his parents and an older brother. He spent his childhood and school days in Bundang's academy district called "Dolmaro" (he would go on to write the lyrics of the song Dolmaro in Jannabi's Legend album). He attended Bundang Elementary School, Seohyun Middle School, and Yatap High School.{{Cite news|url=http://www.seoulwire.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=109856|script-title=ko:돌마로(DOLMARO), 분당 학원가에 얽힌 최정훈의 추억?|date=April 13, 2019}}
Choi displayed interest and talent in music from an early age. Since fifth grade, he has liked writing essays and lyrics. Under the influence of his mother, he often listened to and performed songs by Sanullim, Elton John, and The Beatles, which were different from the likes of his peers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWdEjjN2HoY|script-title=ko:[배캠 연말특집 Live 'Four + Play'] 잔나비 – Good night, 뜨거운 여름밤은 가고 남은 건 볼품 없지만, Surprise... / MBC 211228 방송}}{{Cite news|url=https://tenasia.hankyung.com/tv-drama/article/2021080405884|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈, "어렸을 때부터 '산울림' 노래 듣고 따라 불러" ('아침창')|date=August 4, 2021}} Although he was good at music, he dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. However, Elton John's concert in South Korea and his poster advertisement that said "the best singer-songwriter in the world" left a deep impression on Choi. He thought that being a singer-songwriter was "the coolest job" after hearing his mother's explanation of the term, which inspired him to become such.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=202209232100402510|title="자존심 상했지만" 잔나비 최정훈 '히든싱어' 10년 역사 최초 공동 탈락|date=September 24, 2022}}
In his middle and high school years, Choi met his future Jannabi bandmates Jang Kyung-joon and Kim Do-hyung, and they would regularly perform at Bundang Central Park.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=202205231055280810|title=잔나비 최정훈 "학생회장 했던 모범생‥이적처럼 학업·음악 병행"(라디오쇼)|date=May 23, 2022}}{{Cite news|url=https://m.khan.co.kr/culture/culture-general/article/201812191324001|script-title=ko:밴드 잔나비 "쿨한 건 싫다. 음악은 뜨겁게"|date=December 19, 2018}} He also served as the student council's president and reportedly ranked 8th in the entire school.{{Cite news|url=https://www.anewsa.com/detail.php?number=1678569|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈, 형이 매니저? 훈남 외모에 여자친구 부터 집안까지 화제, "부모님이 좋아하셨다. |date=April 14, 2019}} Following graduation, he gained admission to Kyung Hee University, where he majored in business administration, but decided to take a year off from college to pursue music.{{Cite news|url=http://www.newsinside.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=693210|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈 집안 어떻길래? 이상형은 소유…"강한 여성에게 매력을 느낀다"|date=May 10, 2019}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=618662|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈, 깜찍한 어린시절 大공개…'떡잎부터 알아봤어'|date=April 29, 2019}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.khu.ac.kr/kor/focus/detail.do?seq=2132173|script-title=ko:"모교에 감사"··· 밴드 잔나비, 경희대에 발전기금 전달|date=November 1, 2019}} He trained at FNC Entertainment, nearly debuting as a member of N.Flying, but decided to leave after realizing his creativity was restricted by the agency and he had a different musical style from the group.{{cite web|title=[인터뷰] 잔나비, '슈퍼스타K5'가 우리를 찢어놓았지만…|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/396/0000202486|website=The Daily Sports World|language=ko|date=May 14, 2014|access-date=July 6, 2024|archive-date=July 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706055750/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/396/0000202486|url-status=live}}
Career
= 2012–present: Jannabi =
{{Main article|Jannabi (band)}}
File:2018 인디스땅스 파이널 콘서트 잔나비 최정훈 2.jpg
In 2012, Jannabi was formed under an independent record label, Peponi Music, established and headed by Choi Jung-hoon's older brother, Choi Jung-joon. The band started from scratch, performing on clubs and busking on the streets of Hongdae and Insa-dong.{{Cite news |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170918000753|title=[Next Wave] Five monkeys of Jannabi relive heyday of old pop|date=September 18, 2017}}
In August 2013, Jannabi auditioned for the fifth season of the survival audition show Superstar K to make their band known. While Kim Do-hyung and Yoo Young-hyun were eliminated, Choi continued to participate as a member of the newly created vocalist group Plan B. Plan B was later eliminated, reaching the Top 7 Qualifying Round.{{Cite news |url=https://sports.donga.com/3/all/20140702/64875399/2|script-title=ko:[인터뷰] 밴드 잔나비 "하이브리드한 음악, 그것이 우리의 色"|date=July 2, 2014}}
On April 28, 2014, Choi officially made his debut as a member of Jannabi with the release of the single Rocket. In the same year, the band has continued to release digital singles November Rain and Pole Dance, its first extended play (EP), See Your Eyes, and several original sound tracks for Korean television dramas.{{Cite news |url=https://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=618662|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈, 깜찍한 어린시절 大공개…'떡잎부터 알아봤어'|date=April 29, 2019}}
On August 4, 2016, Jannabi released its first studio album, Monkey Hotel. About a year after the band's debut, he wrote the lyrics to the songs with Kim and Yoo. For the following years, Choi performed as the sole lyricist and producer of the band's songs. He has hands-on involvement in the pre-production work of their albums, merchandise, and shows.{{Cite news |url=https://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=626996|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈, 오픈 더 콘서트 인증 샷 눈길…"오늘은 그린플러그드 서울 2019"|date=May 20, 2019}}
In 2019, Jannabi has created an unprecedented sensation after releasing their second studio album Legend with the title track "For Lovers Who Hesitate." Aside from the songs in the album, their past songs simultaneously charted on the Circle Digital Chart and Billboard K-Pop Hot 100.
On November 6, 2020, Choi and Kim continued to record as a duo and released Jannabi's second EP, Jannabi's Small Pieces I, with the title song "A thought on an autumn night." The title track ranked first on various music charts in South Korea, such as Bugs, Genie, and Vibe.{{Cite news|url=http://www.mhns.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=420888|script-title=ko:잔나비 '가을밤에 든 생각' 차트 1위 달성...앨범 컨셉부터 수록곡은?|date=November 7, 2020}}
On July 18, 2021, despite Kim and Jang Kyung-joon being on a hiatus due to military service, Choi continued to promote the band with session musicians, releasing their third studio album, The Land of Fantasy.{{cite web|title=잔나비 김도형 "1월 26일 입대..정규 3집 기대 많이 해달라"[전문]|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/109/0004340290|website=Osen|language=ko|date=November 7, 2020|access-date=July 11, 2024|archive-date=July 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711144230/https://m.entertain.naver.com/now/article/109/0004340290|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Indie rock band Jannabi to drop third studio album on July 28|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/07/22/entertainment/kpop/Jannabi-studio-album/20210722163800421.html|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|last=Shin|first=Min=hee|date=July 22, 2021|access-date=July 11, 2024|archive-date=July 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711145716/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/07/22/entertainment/kpop/Jannabi-studio-album/20210722163800421.html|url-status=live}}
On May 10, 2022, Choi released Jannabi's third EP, Jannabi's Small Pieces II: Grippin'TheGreen, with all tracks written and produced by him. He revealed that the album was filled with "songs made at home, in the afternoon, mostly while looking out the window," with Choi hoping that listeners would listen to the EP like that as well. The EP's lead single "Grippin'TheGreen," ranked first on the Bugs! and quickly entered the Top 100 of the Genie and Melon music charts.{{Cite news |url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1111839260|script-title=ko:잔나비, 초록 감성 통했다..음원차트 1위+전곡 차트인|date=May 11, 2022}}
= 2018–present: Solo activities =
File:Choi Jung-hoon at SKKU Festival in 2024.png Festival in May 2024]]
In 2018, Choi Jung-hoon participated in the song "Lilac" from Changmo's EP The Moment of Contact.{{Cite news|url=http://tenasia.hankyung.com/archives/1514994|script-title=ko:[지금, 뭐 들으세요?] 창모X최정훈·지숙·소낙빌, 차트 방랑자를 위한 안내서|date=June 18, 2018|access-date=May 1, 2022|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618103535/http://tenasia.hankyung.com/archives/1514994|url-status=dead}} In December 2018, Choi competed on King of Mask Singer under the name "Ginger Man," appearing in episodes 183 and 184.{{Cite news |url=http://www.kyeongin.com/main/view.php?key=20181230001818317|script-title=ko:'복면가왕' 진저맨 정체 잔나비 최정훈…마법소녀 가왕에 정면승부|date=December 30, 2018}}
In 2019, following Jannabi's rise to fame, Choi appeared on various television shows, including KBS' In Sync, where vocalists try to find their perfect match to do a duet,{{Cite news |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20190304142600005|script-title=ko:듀엣과 썸이 만나면…KBS '입맞춤' 내일 첫방송|date=March 4, 2019}} the social commentary talk show Hello Counselor,{{Cite news |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/star/broadcasting-service/view/2019/04/250562/|script-title=ko:'안녕하세요' 잔나비 최정훈, "예능 어렵지만 음악활동 일부로 생각"|date=April 22, 2019}} and MBC's I Live Alone, where he particularly gained attention by revealing his daily life.{{Cite news |url=https://www.youthdaily.co.kr/news/article.html?no=11408|script-title=ko:'화제' 안정환 도플갱어 논란 빚은 사진 한 장?... '잔나비 최정훈' 반전 모습 핫이슈 등극|date=April 12, 2019}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.newsinside.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=641666|script-title=ko:'나혼자산다' 잔나비 최정훈 반전 학력, 전교 9등에 회장까지(feat.낯가리는 관종)|date=April 13, 2019}}
In 2020, Choi participated in the 28th anniversary project of the fashion magazine Elle Korea called "RECONNECT." It features the song "For the Gone," written and composed by him alongside Code Kunst and Simon Dominic.{{Cite news |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=241&aid=0003064743|title=[화보IS] 이제훈X이성경X박정민X코쿤X쌈디X최정훈 특급 프로젝트|date=November 2, 2020}}
In 2021, Choi appeared on Hangout with Yoo.{{Cite news |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/star/broadcasting-service/view/2021/03/292328/|script-title=ko:'놀면 뭐하니' 유재석 "잔나비 보컬 최정훈 팬이다"|date=March 27, 2021}} In July, he participated in the song "Next Episode" from AKMU's EP of the same title.{{Cite news |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20210714039500005|script-title=ko:이들이 모두 한 음반에…악뮤, 아이유·이선희 등 참여 협업앨범|date=July 14, 2021}} In October, he participated in the 25th anniversary tribute for punk rock band No Brain by remaking their song "Midnight Music," a track from No Brain's 5th album That is Youth (2007).{{Cite news |url=http://www.slist.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=306541|script-title=ko:노브레인, 잔나비에 감사 인사 "한밤의 뮤직' 기대"...오늘(29일) 공개|date=October 29, 2021}}
In 2022, it was announced that Choi would join JTBC's music entertainment show Hot Singers as a music director alongside Kim Moon-jeong. The show centers on the journey of Korea's famous senior actors in singing songs together while telling the stories of their lives.{{cite web|title=김문정×잔나비 최정훈 '뜨거운 씽어즈' 이끈다|url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/144/0000792425|website=Kyunghyang Shinmun|language=ko|date=February 11, 2022|access-date=December 27, 2024|archive-date=November 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127210753/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/144/0000792425|url-status=live}} He created the Korean language version of the song "This Is Me" which was performed by the choir at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards to conclude the show.{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzqIX_8QJsU|script-title=ko:뜨거운 위로와 희망의 메시지를 담은 뜨씽즈 배우 16인의 'This Is Me'♬ (한글 ver.) 무대 / 번안 김문정·최정훈 JTBC 220523 방송}} From April to May, he led a film photo exhibition called "Days of Future Passed" in collaboration with Allycamera.{{Cite news |url=https://www.dofp.co.kr/|title=DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED|date=April 2, 2022}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.econovill.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=573882|script-title=ko:현대백화점 판교점, 엘리카메라X잔나비 최정훈 필름 사진전|date=April 29, 2022}} The exhibition follows Choi's daily life from morning to night, showcasing his point of view and his brother's photographic works.{{Cite news |url=https://www.news1.kr/articles/?4660116|script-title=ko:엘리카메라, '최정훈 필름 사진전' 개최|date=25 April 2022}} In May, he joined the two-track project of singer-songwriter Jo Dong-hee and composer Jo Dong-Ik by singing the song "Until I love the love." The song has an exquisite blend of understated acoustic melodies and electronic sounds that lead to a calm atmosphere.{{Cite news |url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=477&aid=0000352930|title=잔나비, '투트랙 프로젝트' 참여…18일 '사랑을 사랑하게 될 때까지' 발표|date=April 13, 2022}} On September 23, Choi appeared as an original singer on the seventh season of Hidden Singer. The show's sixth episode introduced Jannabi as "the first place in festival recruitment."{{Cite news |url=https://kstar.kbs.co.kr/list_view.html?idx=230541|script-title=ko:'히든싱어 – 잔나비 최정훈 편', "커서 최정훈 형 같은 가수가 되고 싶어요"|date=September 24, 2022}}{{cite web|title=잔나비, 음원차트 역주행→페스티벌 섭외 1순위 활약|url=https://v.daum.net/v/20220927164144100|website=Newsen|language=ko|date=September 27, 2022|access-date=December 27, 2024|archive-date=December 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227045524/https://v.daum.net/v/20220927164144100|url-status=live}} The episode ranked first in the same time slot, and Choi took sixth place in the overall ranking of entertainment performers.{{cite web|title='히든싱어7' 잔나비 최정훈, 3라운드 탈락에도 레전드 썼다 "감동적"|url=https://m.joynews24.com/v/1522146|website=Joynews24|language=ko|date=September 24, 2022|access-date=December 27, 2024|archive-date=December 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227050023/https://m.joynews24.com/v/1522146}}{{cite web|title='스맨파' 화제성 순위독식…프라임킹즈·뱅크투브라더스 1, 2위|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/421/0006359378|website=News1|language=ko|date=September 27, 2022|access-date=December 27, 2024|archive-date=December 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227110726/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/421/0006359378}} On September 26, a song collaboration "Because We Loved" with Kang Min-kyung was released, ranking first on various music charts such as Bugs! and Genie.{{cite web|title=잔나비 최정훈 "공연 많아 20cm 정도 떠 있는 기분으로 지낸다"[스타화보]|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/609/0000634089|website=News1|language=ko|date=September 28, 2022|access-date=December 27, 2024|archive-date=December 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227111356/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/609/0000634089}}
In 2023, Choi became an official member of the Korea Music Copyright Association.{{Cite news |url=https://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?art_id=202302020753003&sec_id=540301&pt=nv|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈·방찬, 한음저협 정회원 됐다|date=February 2, 2023}} In March, Choi starred on SBS' variety show No Math School Trip, directed by Running Man's former director, Choi Bo Pil, alongside Doh Kyung-soo, Zico, Crush, Yang Se-chan, and Lee Yong-jin.{{Cite news |url=https://www.spotvnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=578201|script-title=ko:[단독]도경수→지코 예능은 '수학없는 수학여행'…日 홋카이도로 떠난다|date=January 6, 2023}} From May to August, Choi hosted the second season of KBS late-night music talk show The Seasons: Choi Jung-hoon's Night Park.{{Cite news |url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1112100252|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈, 축제서 못 본다…'밤의 공원' 올인 선언 [종합]|date=May 9, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1112104727|script-title=ko:최정훈 "15년 전 꿈의 무대",,이동휘→장기하 반응 폭발 [어저께TV]|date=May 15, 2023}} Choi received the Excellence Award in Show and Variety Category at the 2023 KBS Entertainment Awards for this.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-24 |title=[KBS 연예대상] 주우재, 폐지 '홍김동전'으로 우수상 받고 '오열' |url=https://news.tf.co.kr/read/entertain/2063653.htm |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=news.tf.co.kr |language=ko}}
Artistry
= Musical style and influences =
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| caption3 =
}}
Choi has been described as an unrivaled "emotional craftsman" of his generation.{{cite web|title=이무진, 악뮤, 잔나비, 이승윤, 니브, 픽보이…대체 불가한 '감성 장인' 싱어송라이터들 [스타@스캔]|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/415/0000005666|website=ATSTAR1 Magazine|language=ko|date=August 27, 2021|access-date=December 27, 2024|archive-date=December 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227112729/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/415/0000005666}}{{cite web|title=인디밴드 잔나비·안녕바다, 7월 뉴욕 링컨센터 공연…'K인디뮤직 나이트'|url=https://news.nate.com/view/20220422n12066?mid=e1100|website=Nate|language=ko|date=April 22, 2022|access-date=December 27, 2024|archive-date=December 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227113756/https://news.nate.com/view/20220422n12066?mid=e1100}} He is an all-round musician who writes, composes, arranges, and produces Jannabi's songs and a number of addictive radio logo songs. He also manages all aspects related to Jannabi's performances and albums. He plays various instruments but mainly uses an acoustic guitar and musical keyboard.{{Cite news |url= https://m.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20220727003500072|script-title=ko:잔나비 "좋아하는 도시 뉴욕 공연 감격…한국 정서 들려주겠다"|date=July 27, 2022}} Choi cited artists he grew up listening to, such as Elton John, Sanullim, and The Beatles as his biggest musical influences.{{Cite news |url= https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/entertain_photo/2022/02/18/UYDZS2GDKCC5PUOEUTQT6MS4JE/|script-title=ko:"무덤덤해지지 않았다" 최정훈, 잔나비 활동 마음고생 심했나… 이선희 '눈물'|date=February 18, 2022}} He explored a wide array of genres, including folk, ballad, progressive rock, and chamber pop, with the intricate use of string orchestra and choir.{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CdNgZThP7I|title=[Differential Class All Night Talk] The musician Jannabi wants to collaborate with?!}} In addition, he reads a lot of books, particularly poetry collections, as inspirations for his musical style.{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UCcc4LDl84|title=[My Essential] This is the bag of the emotional king Jannabi group member, Choi Jeong hun!}}{{Cite news|url=
https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/04/04/2019040400220.html|script-title=ko:'한국의 비틀스'가 된 분당 범생이들|date=4 April 2019}}{{Cite news|url=
https://www.chosun.com/national/weekend/2021/12/25/POL5KNOFYVBTRARAGGABRPRGYM/|script-title=ko:[아무튼, 주말] '잔나비' 가방 속에서 최승자 시집이 나온 이유|date=12 December 2021}} One of the examples of songs that drew inspiration from a poem was Jannabi's "I Know Where the Rainbow Has Fallen," in which the lyrics 'lonely island romantic' were quoted from Jeong Ji-yong's poem entitled "News of May."{{Cite news|url=
https://m.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=202202172154116310|title=잔나비 최정훈 "'외딴섬 로맨틱' 정지용 시에서 영감받아"(한번쯤)[결정적장면]|date=18 February 2022}}
= Songwriting =
Over 100 registered songs are credited to Choi by the Korea Music Copyright Association.{{cite web|title=Songs Registered Under Choi Jung-hoon (10007201)|url=https://www.komca.or.kr/srch2/srch_01_popup_mem_right.jsp?S_MB_CD=10007201|website=komca.or.kr|access-date=February 12, 2023}} In February 2023, he was promoted to a regular member of the KMCA, recognizing the songs he has produced.{{Cite news |url= https://mksports.co.kr/view/2023/94433|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈→스트레이키즈 한·방찬·창빈, 한음저협 정회원 됐다|date=February 2, 2023}} The most notable aspect of his songwriting is his ability to incorporate literary rhetoric.{{Cite news |url= https://en.kolonfnc.com/press/923|title=CUSTOMELLOW collaborates with band Jannabi in a music project|date=October 18, 2021}}{{Cite news |url= https://www.elle.com/culture/music/g42815124/korean-indie-artists/|title=Beyond K-pop: 10 Korean Indie Artists You Should Know|date=February 10, 2023}} Popular music critic Kim Sung-dae praised his lyrics stating: "Based on positivity and harmony, Choi Jung-hoon puts fantasy and imagination, moments of life, people and love, society and era images in the lyrics without distinction between written/colloquial and semi-formal/polite speech style. The inner monologue that only one person knew resonated with many people, and their emotional support ultimately led to who Jannabi is today. Trying to approach listeners somehow without pretense, he has written his own story by destroying his ego more fiercely than anyone else."{{Cite news |url= https://news.mt.co.kr/mtview.php?no=2021080509397245331&vgb=enter|script-title=ko:비틀스를 만나 뮤지컬을 만든 잔나비|date=August 5, 2021}} So Seung-geun of IZM recognized his ability to write warm melody and candid lyrics like a diary.{{Cite news |url= http://www.izm.co.kr/contentRead.asp?idx=31247&bigcateidx=1&subcateidx=3&view_tp=1|script-title=ko:잔나비 소곡집 ll : 초록을거머쥔우리는|date=May 5, 2022}} As he shared during his appearance in KBS' Stopping on the Road Once in a While, "When I write lyrics, I felt that it would be really nice if someone could feel it as much as my emotions, so I am grateful (for empathizing)."{{Cite news |url= https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004559788|title="무덤덤해지지 않았다" 최정훈, 잔나비 활동 마음고생 심했나..이선희 위로의 '눈물' [어저께TV]|date=February 18, 2022}}
= Vocal =
Choi was known for his vocal range.{{Cite news|url=https://www.jimff.org/eng/addon/00000001/program_view.asp?m_idx=103273&c_idx=478&QueryYear=2022&QueryType=A&QueryStep=2|title=JIMFF Mellow Night|date=August 11, 2022|access-date=February 11, 2023|archive-date=November 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128052120/https://www.jimff.org/eng/addon/00000001/program_view.asp?m_idx=103273&c_idx=478&QueryYear=2022&QueryType=A&QueryStep=2|url-status=dead}} Popular music critics Jung Min-jae and Kim Seong-hwan noted his unrivaled expressive power with "the charm of dramatic vocals like flowing water."{{Cite news |url= http://musicy.kr/?c=review&s=1&gp=1&ob=idx&gbn=viewok&ix=6608|title=[Single-Out #241-3] 잔나비 「주저하는 연인들을 위해」|date=March 25, 2019}}{{Cite news|url=https://koreanmusicawards.com/project/잔나비-전설-2/|title=MA 2020 Best Modern Rock – Album최우수 모던록 – 음반 |date=11 Feb 2020}} Described as an unlearned vocalist, critics and listeners characterized his voice with a unique husky tone and personality that does not use standard singing methods, possessing a "vintage voice reminiscent of the old times."{{Cite news |url= https://www.topstarnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=596348|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈 누구? 옛 향수 떠오르는 '마성의 목소리' 소유자… '복면가왕 출연-키 궁금해'|date=March 5, 2019}}
Other ventures
{{See also|Jannabi (band)#Other ventures}}
=Endorsement=
In September 2021, Choi was chosen as the model for the fall and winter sneaker collection of Umbro, themed "Heritage of Passion."{{Cite news |url=http://tnnews.co.kr/archives/86567?ckattempt=3|script-title=ko:데상트코리아, 퍼포먼스 신발 주도권 확보 기대된다|date=September 3, 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.topdaily.kr/articles/76950|script-title=ko:'엄브로' 잔나비 최정훈, 시선 강탈하는 화보|date=September 3, 2021}} He later became the ambassador for the clothing brand Customellow by Kolon Industries FnC. It was the first time for the brand to collaborate with an artist in a music project, which included the production of the music video for "King of Romance," one of the tracks from Jannabi's third full-length album The Land of Fantasy (2021) and other advertisement campaigns.{{cite web|title=코오롱FnC 커스텀멜로우, 밴드 잔나비와 뮤직 프로젝트 진행|url=https://n.news.naver.com/article/119/0002533852|website=Dailian|language=ko|date=September 30, 2021|access-date=April 4, 2023|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404055701/https://n.news.naver.com/article/119/0002533852}}
In May 2022, Choi became the endorser of Sennheiser's Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds.{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLcFHoS51EE|script-title=ko:젠하이저 x 잔나비, Inspired by Music}} In July 2022, Choi and Ahn Seul-ki served as the brand ambassadors for the ad campaign "Runners Helping Runners" by Nike.{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6XABMh30YA|title=Runners Helping Runners. 비오는 날 러닝}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nike.com/kr/ko_kr/c/rn/run-with-nike|title=Runners Helping Runners}} Choi has also been selected by Shinsegae International as the menswear brand ambassador of Studio Tomboy (2022–2023).{{cite web|title=패션·뷰티업계, 하반기 모델에 바짝 힘준다|url=https://n.news.naver.com/article/014/0004895172|website=The Financial News|language=ko|date=September 7, 2022|access-date=December 27, 2024|archive-date=December 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227120041/https://n.news.naver.com/article/014/0004895172}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.news1.kr/articles/4980685|script-title=ko:스튜디오 톰보이, 남성복 모델 '잔나비' 최정훈 발탁…봄 콜렉션 출시|date=March 14, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://newsis.com/view/?id=NISX20230324_0002239643&cID=13001&pID=13000|title=여전히 MZ가 찾는 국내 최장수 여성복 '스튜디오 톰보이' [장수브랜드 탄생비화]|date=March 26, 2023}}
In 2024, Kooksoondang has selected Choi as the brand ambassador for the representative traditional liquor brand Bekseju.{{cite web|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈, 백세주 엠버서더 발탁 "1992년생 공통점"|url=https://www.slist.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=585051|via=Single List Korea|language=ko|author=강보라|date=October 7, 2024|access-date=October 12, 2024}}
=Philanthropy=
Choi has regularly donated the band's festival appearance fees for scholarships, school development, and educational environment improvement.{{Cite news |url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201911011508176710|title=잔나비, 최정훈 모교 경희대에 축제 출연료 전액 기부(공식입장)|date=November 1, 2019}} In 2022, his donation provided free meals for 1,500 university students.{{Cite news |url=https://dhnews.co.kr/news/view/1065581577022208|script-title=ko:경희후배사랑 캠페인, '선배가 쏜다! 쿠쿡 가보자go!' 열린다|date=November 29, 2022}}
Personal life
=Military exemption=
Choi was exempted from mandatory military service by the Military Manpower Administration due to a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament while playing soccer in the past.{{cite web|title=[SW시선] 잔나비 논란 팩트체크… '유영현' 맞고 '최정훈' 틀리다|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/396/0000514190|website=The Daily Sports World|language=ko|date=May 25, 2019|access-date=December 27, 2024|archive-date=December 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227123530/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/396/0000514190}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2020/06/649370/|script-title=ko:잔나비 측, 장경준 결혼·활동중단→3집 예고 "열심히 작업중"(공식)|date=June 24, 2020}}
=Relationship=
On August 8, 2024, it was reported that after participating in KBS2's music talk show The Seasons: Choi Jung Hoon's Night Park in August 2023, Choi and actress Han Ji-min stayed in contact and developed a romantic relationship. Both of their agencies confirmed that the two are dating.{{cite web|script-title=ko:[단독] 한지민♥잔나비 최정훈, 10세 연상연하 톱커플 됐다…열애 인정|trans-title=[Exclusive] Han Ji-min ♥ Jannabi Choi Jung-hoon, 10-year age gap top couple… dating confirmed|language=ko|url=https://www.news1.kr/life-culture/general-cultural/5505151|last=Jang|first=A-reum|website=News1|date= August 8, 2024|access-date=August 8, 2024|archive-date=September 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929060739/.kr%2Flife-culture%2Fgeneral-cultural%2F5505151|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Actress Han Ji-min, Jannabi's Choi Jung-hoon confirm relationship|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/09/398_380203.html|website=The Korea Times|date=August 8, 2024|access-date=September 29, 2024|archive-date=September 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929060347/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/09/398_380203.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Actress Han Ji-min and Jannabi's Choi Jung-hoon Confirm Their Relationship|url=https://www.sportschosun.com/celebrity/2024/08/official-han-ji-min-admits-to-dating-choi-jeong-hoon-10302|website=Sports Chosun|date=August 8, 2024|access-date=September 29, 2024|archive-date=September 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929061204/https://www.sportschosun.com/celebrity/2024/08/official-han-ji-min-admits-to-dating-choi-jeong-hoon-10302|url-status=live}}
Discography
{{See also|Jannabi discography}}
=Singles=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year ! scope="col" colspan="2" |Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album |
| scope="col" style="width:2.5em;font-size:90%;"|KOR Gaon Digital Chart position:
! scope="col" style="width:2.5em;font-size:90%;"|KOR
|
|---|
| scope="col" colspan="5" | As lead artist |
| scope="row" | "For the Gone" ({{Korean|hangul=사라진 모든 것들에게|labels=no}}) {{small|with Code Kunst and Simon Dominic}} | 2020 | 106 | {{N/A}} | rowspan="5" {{Non-album singles}} |
| scope="row" | "Midnight Music" ({{Korean|hangul=한밤의 뮤직|labels=no}})
| 2021 | — | {{N/A}} |
| scope="row" | "Until I Love the Love" ({{Korean|hangul=사랑을 사랑하게 될 때까지|labels=no}})
| rowspan="2" | 2022 | — | 83 |
| scope="row" | "Because We Loved" ({{Korean|hangul=우린 그렇게 사랑해서|labels=no}}) {{small|with Kang Min-kyung}} | 12 | {{n/a}} |
| scope="row" | "Us Against World" ({{Korean|hangul=세상에 서투른 연인들의 노래|labels=no}}) {{small|with Kang Seung-won}} | 2023 | — | {{N/A}} |
| scope="col" colspan="5" | As featured artist |
| scope="row" | "Lilac" {{small|Changmo featuring Choi Jung-hoon of Jannabi}} | 2018 | — | {{N/A}} | The Moment of Contact |
| scope="row" | "Next Episode" {{small| AKMU featuring Choi Jung-hoon of Jannabi}} | 2021 | 54 | 77 |
| scope="col" colspan="5" | Compilation appearances |
| scope="row" | "For the Peace of All Mankind" ({{Korean|hangul=비긴어게인 오픈마이크|labels=no}}) {{small|with Lee Eun-mi}} | rowspan="5" | 2022 | — | rowspan="5" {{N/A}} |
| scope="row" | "Long Time Lovers" ({{Korean|hangul=아주 오래된 연인들|labels=no}}) {{small|with Lee Mu-jin}} | — |
| scope="row" | "No One" ({{Korean|hangul=누구없소|labels=no}}) {{small|with Na Moon-hee}} | — | rowspan="3" |Hot Singers |
| scope="row" | "Piano Man" {{small|with Kim Moon-jeong}} | — |
| scope="row" | "One Fine Spring Day" ({{Korean|hangul=봄날은 간다|labels=no}}) {{small|with Kim Young-ok & Na Moon-hee}} | — |
| colspan="5" align="center"|"—" denotes releases that did not chart. |
Filmography
{{See also|Jannabi (band)#Filmography}}
=Television shows=
=Web shows=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
| Year
! Title ! class="unsortable"|Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|References}} |
|---|
| scope= "row"| 2021
| Spin-off; Appeared on January 31, February 7, 14, 21, and 28 |
| scope= "row"| 2022
| Differential Class All Night Talk | Four Episodes |{{Cite news|url= https://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?art_id=202212161737003&sec_id=540201&pt=nv|script-title=ko:[공식] 잔나비 최정훈, '차이나는 밤샘토크' 출격|date=December 16, 2022}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymA24EANabI|title=[Differential Class All Night Talk] The song that Jannabi considers the most important...}} |
=Radio shows=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
| Year
! Title ! class="unsortable"|Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|References}} |
|---|
| rowspan="2" scope= "row"| 2021
| STATION Z | DJ |
| This Beautiful Morning, This Is Kim Chang-wan
| Special DJ |{{Cite news|url= https://tenasia.hankyung.com/tv-drama/article/2021080374344|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈, '아침창' 스페셜 DJ 출격→선배 김창완 대신 '아침잠 깨운다'|date=August 3, 2021}}{{Cite news|url= https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/202108041030H|script-title=ko:잔나비 최정훈, '아침창' 스페셜 DJ 성공적…낭만 가득 '환상의 나라'|date=August 4, 2021}} |
| scope= "row"|2022
| Special DJ |
= Music videos =
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:left;" |
| scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Director(s) ! scope="col" | Notes ! scope="col" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| "Summer" ({{Korean|hangul=뜨거운 여름밤은 가고 남은 건 볼품없지만|labels=no}})
| 2016 | rowspan="2" | Lee Rae-kyung | Jannabi made cameo | style="text-align:center" |{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5wCZ0-3Eos|title=[MV] JANNABI(잔나비) _ Summer(뜨거운 여름밤은 가고 남은 건 볼품없지만)}} |
| "Help"
| rowspan="2" |2017 | Song by 10cm; Choi was featured | style="text-align:center" |{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbSlWaerUIE|title=[MV] JANNABI(잔나비) _ She (Hidden Track No.V 1월 선정곡)}} |
| "She"
| {{Unknown}} | Performance version |
| "Good Boy Twist" ({{Korean|hangul=굿보이 트위스트|labels=no}})
| rowspan="2" |2018 | rowspan="2" | Minju Kim, Dongseob Lim | | style="text-align:center" |{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twIUeUkEyks|title=[MV] JANNABI(잔나비) _ Good Boy Twist}} |
| "Made In Christmas"
| | style="text-align:center" |{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvgNHLD7BAk|title=[MV] JANNABI(잔나비) _ Made In Christmas (Feat. SUHYUN(이수현) of AKMU(악동뮤지션))}} |
| "The King Of Romance" ({{Korean|hangul=로맨스의 왕|labels=no}})
| 2021 | Oh Yumi | Released for Customellow Music Project | style="text-align:center" |{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbYVW7vILqc|script-title=ko:[커스텀멜로우] 21F/W Music project with JANNABI 로맨스의 왕}} |
| "Summerfallwinter Spring." (여름가을겨울 봄.)
| rowspan="2" |2022 | SOZE YOON | Choi made cameo | style="text-align:center" |{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kZYcU0Fyeg|script-title=ko:잔나비 [JANNABI] - 여름가을겨울 봄. M/V}} |
| "Drop The Beat" ({{Korean|hangul=드랍 더 빛고을|labels=no}})
| {{Unknown}} | Released to promote Buskers World Cup in Gwangju | style="text-align:center" |{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg2Sxhr88ks|script-title=ko:잔나비, 광주를 부르다! [DROP THE 빛고을!]}} |
| "Coloring Your Face"
| rowspan="2" | 2023 | JTBC Brand Department | Released for JTBC new brand song | style="text-align:center" |{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ey4jyDIEjw|title=JTBC 브랜드송 뮤직비디오_잔나비 ver.}} |
| "Pony"
| HOBIN | Released for Hyundai Heritage Music Project | style="text-align:center" |{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm5E5paKGLo|script-title=ko:잔나비 [JANNABI] - 'pony' MV}} |
=Hosting=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |
| Year
! Program ! class="unsortable"|Notes ! class="unsortable"|{{Abbr|Ref.|References}} |
|---|
| rowspan="2" scope= "row"| 2021
| The Stage of Legends – Archive K | Special MC with Sung Si-kyung |
| Leto GV for Marie Claire Film Festival
| Talk with Yoo Teo |
Awards and nominations
{{See also|Jannabi (band)#Awards and nominations}}
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+ Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination ! scope="col" | Award ceremony ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Nominee / Work ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="1" | Seoul Music Awards
| 2023 | Ballad Award | "Because We Loved" (with Kang Min-kyung) | {{nom}} |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="1" | KBS Entertainment Awards
| 2023 | Excellence Award in Show and Variety Category | {{won}} | style="text-align:center" | {{Cite web |date=2023-12-24 |title=[KBS 연예대상] 주우재, 폐지 '홍김동전'으로 우수상 받고 '오열' |url=https://news.tf.co.kr/read/entertain/2063653.htm |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=The Fact |language=ko}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="1" | SBS Entertainment Awards
| 2023 | Rookie Award in Talk and Variety Category | No Math School Trip | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center" | {{Cite web |date=2023-12-30 |script-title=ko:신기루, 신인상 오열…"관두고 싶은 순간 더 많았다" [SBS 연예대상] |url=https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01302166635843768&mediaCodeNo=258 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website={{ill|Edaily|ko|이데일리}} |language=ko}} |