For most of us, a busy week means a few late nights at the office. For SIWON CHOI, it can mean jumping from drama shoot to recording studio to red‑carpet appearance, crossing time zones incessantly.
Yet behind the choreography, brand campaigns and constant travel is a surprisingly steady daily rhythm. From morning rituals to hotel‑room workouts, the Super Junior star has spent two decades learning how to care for mind and body under the relentless scrutiny of cameras and the grind of punishing schedules. Here, he shares the simple habits and mindset shifts that keep him grounded, wherever in the world he wakes up.
How has your high-pressure lifestyle shaped your approach to wellness, and which daily rituals keep you energised across time zones?
I really value my mornings. I try to get a lot done before the day starts, because that time sets the tone for everything that follows.
On a typical day, what are the first three things you do before facing the world?
Prayer, words of wisdom, and exercise.
Do you have any non‑negotiable dietary habits, such as hydration rituals, supplements or no-go foods?
I try not to be picky and aim for a balanced, varied diet. What you put into your body matters most, so I try to be mindful of that.
Do you have a go-to reset workout when you’re travelling or when time is limited?
Wherever I am, I try to keep up with my push-ups, sit-ups and squats. Nothing complicated, but I believe consistency is key.
How do you prioritise sleep and recovery when juggling filming, music and public events?
Sleep is something I take very seriously. No matter how busy things get, I try to protect that time as much as possible.
Which upcoming projects are you most excited about, and why are they meaningful at this stage of your journey?
Right now, I’m most excited about my upcoming shoot. I can’t share too much just yet, but it feels especially meaningful because it gives me a chance to show a new side of myself. At this stage in my journey, it feels like an important challenge, and I’m putting a lot of thought and care into it.
How would you describe your relationship with mind and body today, compared with when you debuted?
I still tend to notice my shortcomings first. That hasn’t really changed.
Have you ever experienced pressure or insecurity about your appearance, and how did you work through it?
I think the most important thing is learning to accept yourself as you are, and to make a conscious effort to love that version of yourself.
Can you share three simple habits you’ll keep for life?
Letting go of what I don’t need, taking care of my health, and expressing gratitude. Those are three things I believe I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
If you could write a letter to your younger self about health and happiness, what would it say?
There’s no need to rush through life. Take your time, love yourself more, and be kinder to yourself along the way.
What is wellness to you?
To me, wellness is the ability to bend without breaking, to stay flexible when life shakes you instead of resisting it. And when you lose that balance, it’s about having the courage to stand back up. That’s what true strength — and health — looks like.
Production: HEE WOONG KANG | THIZISCOMPANY
Photographer: MOKE NAJUNG
Stylist: SUH SOOKOUNG
Hair: LEE ENOC
Makeup: KIM SINYOUNG
Location: TEO YANG
Videographer: KIM JINHYUK
Video edit: SHIN TAESEOK | TSG
Producing assistant: EUNJIN HONG