Early Life and National Team Selection
Choo Gye-yi was born in 1950 in Seoul, South Korea, into a family with a deep appreciation for athletics. By age 23, he had demonstrated exceptional skill in judo, earning him a place on the South Korean National Judo Team in 1973. His early training took place at the Taereung Athlete’s Village, where he honed techniques that combined traditional Korean judo with modern competitive strategies.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year of Birth | 1950 |
| Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
| Age at National Team Selection | 23 |
| Year Selected | 1973 |
| Training Facility | Taereung Athlete’s Village |
During this period, Choo balanced rigorous daily training sessions—often lasting 5 hours—with the study of judo fundamentals under national coaches. In December 1973, he suffered a severe ankle fracture during a sparring session, which required a 4‑month rehabilitation before he could resume full training.
Major Competitive Achievements
Despite the setback of his ankle injury, Choo Gye-yi’s resilience led to his most celebrated accomplishment: winning the gold medal in the All-Korea Invitational Judo Championships in October 1974. That victory cemented his reputation as one of South Korea’s premier judo athletes of the 1970s.
| Year | Competition | Location | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | All-Korea Invitational Judo Championships | Seoul, South Korea | Gold |
| 1975 | Asian Judo Championships | Jakarta, Indonesia | Silver |
| 1976 | National Judo Championships | Busan, South Korea | Bronze |
- October 1974: Claimed gold after 5 matches in a single-elimination bracket.
- September 1975: Competed in Jakarta, earning a silver medal—his first international podium.
- May 1976: Secured bronze in Busan, marking three consecutive years of national-level medals.
His competitive record features 12 international matches and a career win–loss ratio of 9:3 between 1974 and 1976.
Business Ventures and Media Presence
Following his athletic career, Choo Gye-yi relocated to Osaka, Japan, in 1977 to establish and manage a specialty bone-processing business. Over the next 30 years, his company grew to employ 45 staff and operated across 3 prefectures in the Kansai region.
| Period | Location | Role | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977–1985 | Osaka | Founder & Manager | 12 |
| 1986–1995 | Kyoto, Osaka | Regional Operations Director | 28 |
| 1996–2007 | Nara, Osaka | CEO | 45 |
In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Choo made frequent appearances on regional Japanese television programs between 1980 and 2000, totaling over 60 guest spots. He discussed topics ranging from athletic discipline to small‑business management, reaching an estimated 1.5 million viewers per episode.
Family and Sporting Legacy
Choo Gye-yi’s immediate family has continued his dedication to sports and public life. The following table outlines key relatives and their roles:
| Name | Relation | Birth Date | Role/Profession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryu Eun-hwa | Wife | April 12, 1954 | Former competitive swimmer |
| Choo Sung Hoon | Son | July 29, 1975 | MMA fighter & judoka |
| Choo Jung Hwa | Daughter | March 3, 1981 | Musical theatre actress |
| Shiho Yano | Daughter-in-law | January 15, 1976 | Fashion model |
| Choo Sa Rang | Granddaughter | October 24, 2011 | Television personality |
- Ryu Eun-hwa (b. 1954) represented South Korea in national swimming events from 1970–1974 before retiring to support her husband’s business and children’s careers.
- Choo Sung Hoon (b. 1975) began judo at age 3, won gold at the 2001 Asian Judo Championships, the 2002 Asian Games, and later became the K-1 HERO’s Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament Champion in 2006.
- Choo Jung Hwa (b. 1981) debuted on stage in 2003, has performed in over 15 musical productions, and announced her engagement in 2014.
- Shiho Yano (b. 1976) married Choo Sung Hoon in 2009, relocated the family to Hawaii in 2018, and has participated in numerous television segments discussing cross-cultural family life.
- Choo Sa Rang (b. 2011) appeared on 60+ episodes of a celebrity parenting program between 2013–2016 and celebrated her 13th birthday publicly in October 2024.
Death and Posthumous Honors
On April 18, 2023, at age 72, Choo Gye-yi suffered sudden cardiac arrest while playing golf at the Westin Cape Coral Resort in Florida, USA. Emergency responders arrived within 8 minutes, but efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. His death certificate lists acute myocardial infarction as the primary cause.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 18, 2023 | Sudden cardiac arrest while playing golf |
| April 18, 2023 | Pronounced dead at Westin Cape Coral Resort |
| May 2, 2023 | Memorial service held in Seoul, attended by 200 |
In May 2023, a commemorative judo tournament was held in Seoul, featuring 120 competitors from 10 countries, honoring his contributions to the sport.
FAQ
What year did Choo Gye-yi win his gold medal?
He won the gold medal at the All-Korea Invitational Judo Championships in October 1974.
Where did he run his business after retirement from sports?
He managed a bone-processing firm in Osaka, Japan, from 1977 to 2007.
Who is Choo Sung Hoon?
Choo Sung Hoon is his son, born July 29, 1975, who became an MMA champion and judo gold medalist.
When did Choo Gye-yi pass away?
He passed away on April 18, 2023, at age 72 due to sudden cardiac arrest.
How many television appearances did he make?
He appeared on regional television over 60 times between 1980 and 2000.
What annual event honors his legacy?
A commemorative judo tournament in Seoul is held each May, drawing competitors from multiple countries.
