Choo Sung Hoon’s Father Passes Away

Mixed martial arts fighter Choo Sung Hoon’s father has passed away.

Choo’s father, Mr. Chu Gye-i, passed away on the 18th at the age of 73. Choo’s agency stated, “Upon hearing the news in Korea, Choo immediately headed to Japan,” and added that “the funeral will be held quietly with only family and relatives in attendance.”

As a fourth-generation Korean resident in Japan, Choo began practicing judo under the guidance of his father, who was also a judoka, at the age of three. After winning a championship in 1992, he was offered Japanese citizenship, but according to his father’s wishes to “hoist the Korean flag in his grandfather’s country and raise the morale of the Korean people,” Chu came to Korea in 1998.

Choo mourned his father’s sudden passing, saying, “There was still so much he needed to teach me. We never even had a chance to drink together, and there were so many things I wanted to do with him.” He added, “I will always remember his words, ‘When you have to make an important decision in life, choose the difficult path. That is the path to success,’ and I will live my life to the fullest with that advice in mind.”

Choo, who is married to Japanese model Yano Shiho, has a daughter named Sarang. Mr. Chu Gye-i became known to Korean fans when he appeared on the variety show “Superman Returns” (KBS2) as Sarang’s grandfather, showing his affection for his granddaughter and leaving a deep impression on viewers.

May his soul rest in peace.

Source: (A)