Hubbry Logo
David ChoiDavid ChoiMain
Open search
David Choi
Community hub
David Choi
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
David Choi
David Choi
David Choi
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Key Information

David Choi (born March 22, 1986) is a Korean-American singer, songwriter, producer, music composer, entrepreneur, YouTuber, and a member of parody K-pop group BgA based in Los Angeles.[1] He has worked with companies such as Kellogg's, Starburst, the American Cancer Society, General Electric, Samsung, and J. C. Penney.[2][3][4][5]

David is also the founder and CEO of CHOIS MUSIC, INC,[6] an independent music label, publisher, rights management service provider, that helps to manage and administer music catalogs on behalf of their clients.

Choi released his debut album, Only You, in October 2008.[7] His second album, By My Side,[8] was released on May 19, 2010, and his third album, Forever and Ever was released on October 25, 2011. On February 15, 2015, he released his fourth album Stories of You's and Me.

As of September 14, 2021, Choi's YouTube Channel has 949,000 subscribers, 111 million total video views, and more than 13 million channel views.[9] As of November 2011, he was YouTube's 15th-most-subscribed musician and 62nd-most-subscribed user overall.[10][11]

Choi previously worked as a songwriter and producer at Warner/Chappell Music, which signed him on after his participation in an American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) workshop called the Lester Sill Workshop.[1]

His humorous "YouTube, A Love Song", which helped launch his singing career, was featured on the homepage of YouTube in 2006, and has received over 2.8 million views. The music videos for his singles "Won't Even Start" and "That Girl", which are posted on both his and directors' Wong Fu Productions' YouTube channels, have received a total of over 13 million views. He also posts non-music vlogs on his second channel. Choi often appears in online videos with fellow YouTube personalities, like Ryan Higa and Wong Fu Productions, who often use Choi's music in their videos.

Choi co-founded a tech company called Takko in 2020, a platform for asynchronous video chatting, which had the backing of notable investors like NEA, Dreamer's VC, Mucker Capital, and Canaan. His startup was acquired in 2023.

Early life

[edit]

Choi was born in Anaheim, California, on March 22, 1986.[12] He is of Korean descent and comes from a musical family: His parents, Ray and Jane Choi, own a music store named "Grace Store," and his father plays the autoharp.[13] With an artistic mother and musical father, Choi was surrounded by music growing up and does not think he would have pursued music today without these influences.[14]

At a young age, Choi was required to play the piano and violin, an experience that he did not enjoy. In fact, Choi would get in trouble with his parents for not practicing. He does not remember much about practicing his violin; however, he does recall wanting to smash it several times. The Internet star says that his hate for practicing made him hate everything about the violin and piano to the point where he even began to hate music itself. Even though it was not his favorite thing to do, Choi does admit that it was nice when he got to leave class twice a week to attend his orchestra class. Choi says that class was easier for him than it was for some of the other kids because he had already covered some of the material through his private lessons. The unlikely musician thus became the concertmaster of his school orchestra.[13] He would play classical and jazz music, and never being exposed a pop song until sixth grade, when he heard Smash Mouth's "All Star". Soon after, he discovered "All the Small Things" by blink-182 and attempted to play the song on guitar. Choi began to listen to more and more pop songs and fell in love with the Backstreet Boys, Boyz II Men, and Japanese pop. In junior high Choi would stay up late listening to the radio, recording the songs and began to make his own mix tapes. Choi then began to write his own songs and his first instrumental piece was a song titled "Lost Memory", written on the piano.[15] Even after discovering pop music Choi stayed in the school orchestra. Pressured by his parents, Choi was forced to audition for the Gifted And Talented Education (GATE) orchestra. Choi rehearsed with this orchestra every Tuesday.

Choi eventually stopped taking violin lessons in high school, and started jazz piano lessons in ninth grade. He began composing music, and won his first accolade after submitting an instrumental pop song entitled "I'm Really Happy When" for a contest.

Career

[edit]

Early career (2002–06)

[edit]

Choi's original compositions were recorded digitally with the use of a program called Acid Pro. Choi taught himself how to use the program within several days of downloading it,[13] and he learned a few songwriting tips from a friend.

In 2005, Choi won the grand prize in David Bowie's Mashup contest, where Bowie chose the grand prize winner.[15] He appeared in USA Weekend Magazine alongside Usher, after he received the grand prize for the magazine's John Lennon Songwriting Contest for teens.[7] These achievements marked the start of Choi's musical career: He was signed to Warner Chappell Music, where he was initially placed as a staff songwriter and producer.[13]

David's humorous "YouTube (A Love Song)", was uploaded on December 30, 2006, and brought him "overnight" fame. Choi followed the success of "YouTube (A Love Song)" with other humorous and heartfelt songs, such as "By My Side" and "I Think I Like You": "My Company" is considered a "half-humorous, half-love" song. Unbeknownst to him, his YouTube love song was posted on the homepage of YouTube. He found out when a friend told him.[13] He soon received requests for new songs, a live performance, and an album. He wanted to release his songs in an album, but as he was already technically a signed songwriter/producer at that time: He had to go through legal procedures and accept a variety of contractual conditions. Thus, he left Warner and stayed unsigned to carry on with his own album release.[13]

Only You (2007–08)

[edit]

Choi released his first album in 2008. Entitled Only You. It contained mainly love songs, notably "Love", "Won't Even Start", "Something To Believe," and "Only You". In 2009, he released a Korean special edition of the album, containing three bonus tracks. "Won't Even Start" became his hit single,[where?] and he released a music video for it, collaborating with Wong Fu Productions in producing his first official music video.

By My Side (2009–10)

[edit]

On February 21, 2009, he performed at the annual Kollaboration talent show,[1] and within a space of half a year (4th quarter 2009 to 1st Quarter 2010), Choi compiled composed songs into his second album, By My Side, released on May 18, 2010. He released a music video for its lead single "That Girl" on the same day. The music video was produced by him and his friends via Wong Fu Productions. It starred Julia Chang as 'that girl' opposite him, and it was his second collaboration with the production company.[16] He also released a Korean edition, with two bonus tracks: "Valentines" and "My Company".

On January 14, 2014, he released the Indonesian-English version of By My Side with Indonesian singer Maudy Ayunda. The lyrics were translated with the help of book writer-musician, Dewi Lestari.[17]

Forever and Ever (2011–2016)

[edit]
Choi singing "This And That" at the Esplanade in Singapore

During his 2011 tours, Choi sang two songs he wrote the year before, "You Were My Friend" and "This and That is Life". He has said that a third album will include these two songs.[18] On July 7, 2011, Choi released his third music video, for his single "By My Side", once again a collaboration with Wong Fu Productions. Choi also started to help his father, Ray Choi, in uploading YouTube videos of him playing the autoharp.[19] His song "I Choose Happiness", of which the instrumental version is used in KevJumba and Wong Fu Productions videos, was also chosen to be used in the 2011 film Lucky starring Colin Hanks. It was also featured in an episode of ABC's Make It or Break It. Choi released his third album, Forever and Ever, on October 25, 2011.

Tours

[edit]

Choi's first tour,[20] from November 12 to 19, 2009, was in the West Coast cities of San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle, as well as in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.[21] In 2010 Choi embarked on his second tour singing live in the East Coast cities of Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, and Chicago as well as Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The year after, he visited those few cities again.

In August 2010, Choi went to Singapore for vacation and to tour. He was there for eleven days, and on his vacation day, he went to Sentosa and Night Safari.[22] In 2011, he went on a short tour around North America again: "Spring Tour" included Houston, Chicago, and Hawaii. He also frequented Korea.

In summer 2011, Choi announced another tour – his first continental Asia-Pacific tour (with a focus on Southeast Asia). He went to Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. In Australia, Choi was supported by Australian acts Amelia Jae and Jayesslee. In Singapore, he had Inch Chua do introductory songs and sing his and Kina Grannis' "My Time With You". Again on this tour, Choi went to small venues, like the 245-capacity Esplanade Recital Studio.[23]

Choi in concert

On his tours, Choi has meet-and-greet sessions with his fans.[24]

In January 2012, Choi announced his Forever and Ever USA/Canada tour. He went to 20 cities across the US and Canada, starting in Phoenix on February 2 and ending in Chicago on April 2.[25] In May, Choi started on his third tour to the Asia-Pacific: Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Jakarta, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo. In September 2012, he and Clara Chung embarked on their Fall Tour presented by YesStyle, visiting 19 cities all over the US and Canada, starting in Los Angeles and ending in Orange County.

Style

[edit]

Genre and lyrics

[edit]

Choi's music genre falls mostly under the modern "ballad" genre, his songs being slow, mostly about love and relationships.[26] He describes his own music as "poppy with a hint of jazz and folk."[27] His songs have been described as "often to melt girls' hearts."

He often uses happy melodies, for example in "Something to Believe"[28] and "My Time with You".[29]

Public image

[edit]

Choi has been portrayed by "netizens" and fans as a sad and solemn person, with a poker face: Such perceptions were bolstered by the absence of images of Choi smiling. In response to such claims, Choi publicly promised that he would not smile until he reached 77,777 subscribers on YouTube (this goal was subsequently accomplished).[30]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: David Choi discography
  • Only You (2008; CD digipak and iTunes)
  • Only You (2009; Korean special edition CD)
  • By My Side (2010; CD digipak and iTunes)
  • By My Side (2010; Korean special edition CD)
  • YouTube Covers, Vol. 1 (2010; iTunes)
  • YouTube Covers, Vol. 2 (2010; iTunes)
  • YouTube Covers, Vol. 3 (2010; iTunes)
  • Forever and Ever (2011; CD iTunes and Spotify)
  • Stories of You's and Me (2015; iTunes and Spotify)
  • The David Choi Christmas Album (2016; iTunes and Spotify)

In other media

[edit]

Song use in other media

[edit]
Year Used in (producers) Type Song
2008 J.C. Penney web ad "Back-to-School Interactive Initiative" "My Time With You"(with Kina Grannis)[31]
2009 Up in Da Club (Wong Fu Productions) 4-part series "Something To Believe[32]
2009 He Who Can't Marry Korean drama "Something To Believe"
2009 We Got Married Korean variety show "Something To Believe"
2010 Playful Kiss Korean drama "Won't Even Start"
"Happiness is Always Near"[33]
2010 Iris (Japanese version) Korean drama "Something To Believe"
2010 Secret Garden Korean drama "Love"[34]
2010 Agents of Secret Stuff (HigaTV and Wong Fu) Web film "My Time With You"(with Kina Grannis)
2010 The Good Guys American show "Something To Believe"
2010 Pasta Korean drama "Happiness Is Always Near"
2011 Athena: Goddess of War Korean drama "Enjoy The View"
2011 Strangers, again (Wong Fu Productions) Short Story "So Weightless"[35]
2011 My Princess Korean drama "By My Side"
"Won't Even Start"
"Thief in the Night"
"Heaven's Ease"
2011 All My Love Korean drama "Happily Ever After"
"해피 몽땅"
"My Time With You"[36]
2011 Samsung Zipel Grandstyle ad Fridge advertisement "By My Side"[37]
2011 Renault SM5 (Samsung) ad Car advertisement "Only You"
2011 Lucky Movie "I Choose Happiness"
2012 MBLAQ's Hello Baby (seventh episode) Reality show "Something to Believe"
2012 To the Beautiful You Korean drama "Enjoy The View"
2012 Hero Korean drama "Something To Believe"
2012 Rascal Sons Korean drama "By My Side"
2014 Cunning Single Lady (thirteenth episode) Korean drama "By My Side"
2014 Let's Eat (sixteenth episode) Korean drama "Always Hurt"
2015 A Girl Who Sees Smells (fifth episode) Korean drama "By My Side"
2015 Age of Youth Korean drama "Enjoy the View"

Filmography and TV appearances

[edit]
Year Title Producer Role
2010 Funemployed (episodes 7,8,10 & 11) Wong Fu Productions Aaron (music teacher)[38]
2010 The Allergy Wong Fu Productions Henry's girlfriend [39]
2010 BEST CREW – The Audition Nigahiga Jeffery (the new member)[40]
2010 Interview with Channel News Asia (TV appearance) Mediacorp Himself[26]
2011 Strangers, again Wong Fu Productions Donald (Don)[35]
2011 THE ANNIVERSARY David Choi Music Himself[41]
2012 Textreme Wong Fu Productions Ethan[42]
2013 The Winner Is Talpa Media USA / Universal Television Himself[43]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Nominated work Category Result
2004 David Bowie Mash-up Contest "Big Shakin' Car" (Mashup of "Shake it" and "She'll Drive a Big Car") N/A Won[44]
John Lennon Songwriting Contest Himself Teens Won[44]
Songwriter Universe Song of the Month "Anything You Want" February Won[45]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

David Choi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
David Choi (born March 22, 1986) is a Korean-American singer, songwriter, music producer, composer, and entrepreneur best known for pioneering independent music distribution through YouTube in the mid-2000s and later expanding into music rights management and children's educational content. Born in Anaheim, California, and raised in Fullerton by parents who owned a local music store, Choi began his musical journey playing piano and violin before teaching himself guitar at age 16 and starting to write songs. He attended Pacifica High School in Garden Grove and gained early recognition by winning the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for Teens in 2004 and a David Bowie mash-up contest, which awarded him $30,000. After interning and working as a staff songwriter and producer at Warner Chappell Music, Choi launched his YouTube channel in 2006, quickly amassing nearly 1 million subscribers and over 125 million video views through original songs, covers, and collaborations with creators like Ryan Higa and Wong Fu Productions. Choi released five self-produced studio albums from 2008 to 2015, including Only You (2008), By My Side (2010), and Forever and Ever (2011), while his music was licensed for commercials by brands like Disney, Google, Toyota, and Kellogg's, as well as television networks such as NBC, FOX, MTV, and VH1. He also composed scores for Emmy-winning series like Ted Lasso, Netflix's Finding Ohana, and Sundance films including Ms. Purple and Gook, collaborating with artists such as Kina Grannis and Macy Gray. As a member of the parody K-pop group BgA (Boys Generally Asian), he contributed to viral hits that highlighted Asian American representation in music. In his entrepreneurial pursuits, Choi co-founded Content Creators, Inc., which was acquired, and established Choi Music Inc. in 2012 to manage music rights and royalties for publishers, labels, and artists, growing it into a firm that has recovered significant revenue for clients through catalog audits and monetization strategies. Inspired by fatherhood, he launched Good Kids Company in 2023, producing animated educational songs for children featuring characters like Bibi and Raffy, available on platforms including , , and . Based in , Choi has toured globally, spoken at events like TEDx Orange County, and been interviewed by figures including , continuing to influence digital music creation and Asian American artistry.

Early life

Family and childhood

David Choi was born on March 22, 1986, in , to Korean immigrant parents Ray and Jane Choi. His father, Ray, was an accomplished musician in who plays the , while his mother, Jane, is a violin . The family owned and operated Grace Music Store in , a modest shop that sold and repaired instruments, creating an environment immersed in music from a young age. Growing up in this supportive household, Choi initially showed reluctance toward music, particularly classical training on instruments like and , which his parents encouraged as part of their cultural expectations for Korean-American children. He has described hating music lessons during his early years, viewing them as a chore rather than a passion. This changed in sixth grade when he discovered , sparking his interest and leading him to explore songwriting and guitar on his own terms.

Education

He attended Pacifica High School in , from 2000 to 2004, where he actively participated in the school . In the , Choi played and quickly advanced to the role of , demonstrating his proficiency and leadership in classical ensemble performance. This experience honed his technical abilities and deepened his understanding of orchestral dynamics. Complementing this, he began taking lessons in high school, starting around ninth grade, which exposed him to contemporary and harmonic structures while strengthening his overall piano technique.

Career

Early career (2002–2008)

David Choi began his music career in the early 2000s, self-producing demos and compositions while still in his teens. Drawing on his background in from high school lessons, he honed his skills as a and , initially recording original tracks using digital software. By 2004, Choi had gained early recognition through competitive songwriting, interning at a North Hollywood studio where he composed music for television shows. In 2004, Choi achieved significant breakthroughs by winning two major contests. He took the grand prize in David Bowie's Mash-Up Remix Contest for his track "Big Shakin' Car," a combining "Shake It" and "She'll Drive a Big Car" from Bowie's album, selected by Bowie himself and awarding him $30,000 (originally an car). Later that year, he won the teen category of USA Weekend Magazine's John Lennon Songwriting Contest with a on the theme "The ," judged by figures including Usher and earning him $30,000 (or an car, which he opted to convert to cash), along with a feature in the magazine. These victories led to a publishing deal with , marking his entry into professional songwriting. Choi's online presence emerged in 2006 with the viral upload of "YouTube, A Love Song," a humorous acoustic track satirizing the platform's addictive nature, which was featured on YouTube's homepage and amassed nearly three million views, propelling him to overnight internet fame. He officially launched his YouTube channel that year, posting covers of popular songs alongside original compositions, which quickly built a dedicated following among early digital music audiences. This period laid the foundation for his independent career, blending self-produced pop and folk elements. In 2008, Choi released his self-produced debut album Only You independently, featuring 14 tracks including singles like "Won't Even Start" and "Always Hurt," distributed digitally on in August and physically in October. The album showcased his acoustic-driven style and garnered positive reception for its heartfelt songwriting. A Korean special edition followed in 2009, expanding his reach to international audiences. By this time, his efforts had solidified his status as a pioneering musician.

By My Side era (2009–2010)

Following the momentum from his debut album Only You and burgeoning YouTube presence, David Choi released his second studio , By My Side, on May 19, 2010. The album featured 12 tracks, including the titular "By My Side" and "," which emerged as key hits among fans for their acoustic pop sensibilities and relatable lyrics. A Korean special edition was issued shortly after on May 24, 2010, expanding accessibility in with similar tracklisting and packaging tailored for the market. During this period, Choi significantly expanded his YouTube content, uploading original songs, music videos, and covers that propelled his channel's growth. By mid-2009, his channel had already surpassed 117,000 subscribers and 3.8 million views, reflecting early virality. In February 2010, his track "Anything You Want" was named Songwriter Universe's Song of the Month, highlighting his songwriting prowess and contributing to further audience engagement. This expansion included the release of three compilation albums—YouTube Covers, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, and Vol. 3—on throughout 2010, compiling popular cover performances that showcased his versatility and helped solidify his online fanbase. These efforts marked Choi's first major promotional push, blending album sales with to foster international recognition. By late , sustained growth from this era positioned his channel as YouTube's 15th-most-subscribed music artist and 62nd overall, underscoring the era's impact on his rising profile.

Forever and Ever era (2011–2015)

David Choi released his third studio , Forever and Ever, on October 25, 2011, marking a significant evolution in his acoustic pop sound characterized by introspective lyrics, ukulele-driven melodies, and self-produced arrangements. The 12-track record, spanning 43 minutes, debuted at No. 97 on the overall iTunes chart and peaked at No. 2 in the singer-songwriter category, underscoring its commercial resonance within circles. Tracks like "Missing Piece" and "Forever and Ever" highlighted Choi's maturation as a songwriter, blending heartfelt narratives of love and personal growth with his signature lo-fi production style. Building on the momentum from his earlier works such as By My Side, which established thematic continuity in relational themes, Forever and Ever solidified Choi's reputation as a transitioning to broader digital platforms. The album's release coincided with a surge in his online presence; by April 2011, his channel had amassed over 85 million views and ranked as the sixth most-subscribed music channel on . This period saw Choi extend his influence through the 2010 publication of YouTube Covers, Vol. 1-3, compilations of 26 popular covers originally popularized on his channel, which bridged his viral cover origins with original material and boosted his presence. During this stable creative phase from 2011 to 2015, Choi intensified his focus on original songwriting and , culminating in the release of Stories of You's and Me on February 17, 2015. The 12-song , lasting 41 minutes, delved deeper into personal storytelling with acoustic elements and collaborative touches, reflecting his growth as a multifaceted . By 2013, his subscriber count approached one million, with total views exceeding 117 million, contextualizing the era's peak in audience engagement and creative output.

Later career (2016–present)

In 2016, Choi released The David Choi Christmas Album, a 10-track collection of holiday covers including originals like "The Holiday Song" alongside classics such as "," "," and "," distributed via platforms like and . This seasonal project marked a lighter, festive extension of his acoustic style, emphasizing intimate arrangements suitable for holiday listening. Choi has been a member of the parody K-pop group BgA (Boys Generally Asian), contributing to viral hits like "Dong Saya Jei" that highlighted Asian American representation in music. Shifting toward entrepreneurship, Choi co-founded Content Creators, Inc., which developed tools for creators and was later acquired. In March 2020, he co-founded Takko under this entity, a tech platform enabling asynchronous video chatting tailored for creators and remote communication, which attracted backing from investors including NEA and Dreamer's Fund. The company was acquired by Fan Moments on February 24, 2023, allowing Choi to refocus on music-related ventures. Post-acquisition, he expanded his role in music publishing through CHOIS MUSIC, INC., an independent label and rights management service he established to handle global royalties, copyright protection, and distribution across over 120 countries without upfront fees to clients. Inspired by fatherhood, Choi launched Good Kids Company in 2023, producing animated educational songs for children featuring characters like Bibi and Raffy, available on platforms including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. Choi has continued production work, composing for high-profile projects including the Emmy-winning series Ted Lasso, Netflix's Finding Ohana, and Sundance films Ms. Purple and Gook, contributing to soundtracks that blend his signature melodic sensibility with cinematic needs. In parallel, he maintains an active online presence, uploading content to his YouTube channel, such as the acoustic 15-year anniversary performance of "Won't Even Start" in May 2024, which celebrated his early viral hit and engaged long-time fans. Recent musical output includes singles like "LIFTER" (April 2024) and "SERIOUS BLOCK" (September 2024), showcasing his ongoing songwriting in a more streamlined, digital-first format. As of 2025, Choi balances behind-the-scenes roles in and production with family life, emphasizing efficient royalty collection and creator support through CHOIS MUSIC while occasionally sharing personal updates on his professional evolution.

Tours and live performances

Headlining tours

David Choi's inaugural headlining tour took place in 2009 to promote his debut studio album Only You, spanning the West Coast of the and parts of . The itinerary featured performances in key cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, with additional stops in Houston, Texas, and Seoul, . This tour represented a pivotal expansion from his YouTube-based fame to in-person engagements, allowing fans to experience his ukulele-driven acoustic style live and fostering early connections that grew his dedicated audience. Building on this momentum, Choi extended his touring efforts in 2010 with a second headlining run targeting the East Coast, including shows in (at Jammin Java on October 15), New York, , , and Toronto, Ontario. The year also marked his entry into international markets with legs, highlighted by a performance at the Baybeats festival in on August 21 at the Chill Out theatre. These expansions broadened his reach, introducing his music to diverse live crowds and strengthening his global fanbase through sold-out venues and direct engagement. In 2011, Choi ventured further internationally as part of an tour, culminating in Australian dates such as on July 1 at the Melbourne City Conference Centre and on July 2 at , supported by local acts like Jayesslee. This leg emphasized cultural crossover, drawing large crowds in the region and enhancing his reputation as an accessible performer. Subsequent tours from 2011 to 2012 were closely tied to his second album Forever and Ever, released in October 2011, featuring intimate acoustic sets and opportunities for fan interactions like meet-and-greets. The Forever and Ever USA/Canada tour ran from February to April 2012, covering seven West Coast cities, while an extension included on May 17 and on May 20. These outings highlighted collaborative elements, such as joint performances with artists like Clara C, and underscored Choi's emphasis on personal connections, significantly boosting his live following and album promotion. In 2015, Choi undertook a world tour to support his album Stories of You's and Me, performing in at least 16 cities across the , , and , with stops including on March 24 and on April 25. This tour marked one of his largest live endeavors, blending acoustic performances with fan engagements in diverse international markets.

Notable appearances

David Choi made several notable live appearances during the promotional periods surrounding his early tours in 2009 and 2010, including performances at key Asian American cultural events. On February 21, 2009, he performed at Kollaboration 9, an annual talent showcase held at the Shrine Auditorium in , where he presented original songs alongside other emerging artists as part of a competition-style event focused on empowering Asian performers. Later that year, on September 6, 2009, Choi took the stage at the International Secret Agents (ISA) concert at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, collaborating with fellow singer-songwriter on tracks like "My Time With You" during this high-profile showcase organized by and to highlight Asian American talent. In the years following his 2015 album Stories of You's and Me, Choi shifted focus toward entrepreneurial ventures but maintained selective live engagements, particularly in virtual formats amid the . He appeared as a special guest performer in the Kollaboration 20th Anniversary Virtual Showcase, streamed on December 12, 2020, where he delivered music alongside artists like and to celebrate two decades of the organization's contributions to Asian American .

Musical style and public image

Genres and influences

David Choi's music primarily encompasses acoustic pop and modern ballads, often incorporating subtle and folk elements that lend a warm, introspective quality to his compositions. His songs typically feature stripped-down arrangements centered on guitar or , emphasizing melody and emotional delivery over elaborate production. This blend is evident in tracks that merge pop accessibility with acoustic intimacy, creating a sound that resonates through heartfelt, rhythm-driven narratives. Choi's influences trace back to his early exposure to during childhood through and lessons, which provided a foundational appreciation for structured . It was not until that he discovered , an eye-opening moment sparked by hearing Smash Mouth's "All Star," which broadened his musical palette beyond classical confines. Formal training further enriched his style, introducing improvisational techniques and rhythmic complexity that infuse his work with nuanced phrasing. Additionally, participation in contests like the Mashup Competition exposed him to eclectic pop artistry, inspiring innovative song structures and thematic experimentation. Over time, Choi's sound evolved from these classical and roots toward contemporary production, particularly in his self-produced debut Only You (2008), where acoustic pop elements dominate alongside emerging modern sensibilities. This progression reflects a shift to polished, melody-focused tracks that balance intimacy with broader appeal, while maintaining folk-inspired simplicity in instrumentation.

Themes and songwriting

David Choi's songwriting is characterized by recurring themes of , relationships, and personal reflection, often drawn directly from his own life experiences to create authentic emotional narratives. In tracks like "By My Side," he conveys a deep commitment to unwavering support and intimacy, portraying as a healing force that addresses fears and sorrows in a partnership. Similarly, the title song from his album Forever and Ever reflects on the fleeting yet cherished nature of romantic connections, blending nostalgia with acceptance of their impermanence. Choi's composition process emphasizes self-production of acoustic-oriented tracks, where he handles writing, recording, and arrangement to prioritize raw emotional storytelling over elaborate production. This approach allows his lyrics to resonate through straightforward melodies and intimate delivery, as seen across albums like By My Side and Forever and Ever, which he fully self-produced. His inspirations stem from real-life events and introspection, enabling relatable explorations of relational joys, heartbreaks, and growth. A notable example of his concise, relatable style is "Anything You Want," which earned Songwriter Universe's Best Song of the Month award for February 2010, highlighting his skill in capturing universal desires within compact, heartfelt lyrics.

Public persona

David Choi has maintained a solemn and introspective public persona throughout much of his career, characterized by a deliberate restraint in his on-camera presence that underscores his thoughtful approach to music and audience connection. In 2008, amid early criticisms labeling him as overly serious, Choi made a public pledge not to smile in his videos until his YouTube channel reached 77,777 subscribers, a milestone he achieved by December of that year, after which he celebrated by finally smiling on camera. This self-imposed challenge highlighted his commitment to authenticity and perseverance, shaping perceptions of him as an earnest, introspective figure in the online music scene. Choi's fan engagement has been central to his relatable "everyman" image, fostering direct and personal interactions that make him appear approachable despite his introspective demeanor. He actively responds to comments on his videos, often incorporating fan feedback into his content creation process, and hosts live Q&A sessions to discuss his creative journey and personal insights. These efforts have built a loyal , emphasizing his role as an accessible who values genuine over celebrity distance. Following a career pivot in , Choi's public branding evolved toward a more professional and entrepreneurial profile, reflecting a shift from solo performer to industry innovator. He co-founded Takko in , a venture-backed platform designed for asynchronous video collaboration aimed at creators, which was acquired in 2023 and marks his transition into tech entrepreneurship while leveraging his experience to support emerging artists. This development has positioned him as a multifaceted figure, blending his artistic roots with in public appearances and interviews.

Discography

Studio albums

David Choi's studio discography consists of four albums, all self-produced and emphasizing his acoustic pop style with introspective lyrics on and personal growth. These releases, distributed primarily through digital platforms like and physical CDs, showcase his evolution as an independent artist, blending heartfelt songwriting with minimalistic instrumentation. Only You, his debut studio album, was released on August 10, 2008, featuring 10 original tracks such as "Always Hurt," "Love," and the title song "Only You." The album highlights Choi's early songwriting, drawing from his presence where he gained initial fame through acoustic performances. A Korean special edition followed in 2009, adding bonus tracks tailored for the market. His second album, By My Side, arrived on May 19, 2010, with 12 tracks including "By My Side," "," and "You Can Win." Centered on themes of relationships and emotional support, it expanded on his debut's intimate sound while incorporating subtle pop elements. A Korean edition was also issued that year, featuring additional content for international listeners. Forever and Ever, released on October 25, 2011, contains 12 tracks like "Can't Take This Away," "Thinking About You," and "You Were My Friend," marking a peak in his acoustic pop expression with more polished production. The album reflects deeper explorations of romance and , solidifying his fanbase through streaming availability on platforms like . In 2015, Choi released Stories of You's and Me on February 17, comprising 12 tracks including "You and Me," "Bad Girl," and "All I Need." This reflective collection delves into personal narratives and relationships, presented with a mature, stripped-back aesthetic that underscores his growth as a songwriter.

Other releases

In addition to his studio albums, David Choi has released several compilations and singles that highlight his acoustic cover interpretations and thematic projects. The YouTube Covers, Vol. 1 (2010), available digitally on platforms like iTunes and Spotify, compiles 13 popular covers from his early YouTube videos, including renditions of Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" and Lady Gaga's "Telephone," which helped propel his online popularity by showcasing his intimate, guitar-driven style. Similarly, YouTube Covers, Vol. 2 (2010) features another 13 tracks, such as covers of Owl City's "Fireflies" and Train's "Hey Soul Sister," further capitalizing on his viral video success to reach a broader audience through digital distribution. YouTube Covers, Vol. 3 (2010) rounds out the series with selections like The Beatles' "Blackbird" and Coldplay's "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall," emphasizing Choi's ability to reimagine contemporary hits in a stripped-down format that resonated with his YouTube subscribers. Choi ventured into seasonal music with The David Choi Christmas Album (2016), a digital holiday release featuring 10 acoustic tracks of traditional carols and originals, including "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night," and his own "The Holiday Song." This project, distributed via and , offered a festive extension of his signature warm, personal sound, appealing to fans seeking lighter, celebratory content. Following his later studio work, Choi issued several digital singles tied to his ongoing presence, focusing on personal and reflective themes. Notable releases include "" (2019) and "" (2019), both available on , which explore everyday life with his characteristic melodic introspection. In 2020, "Let's Talk About Life" addressed resilience amid global challenges, followed by "Oh I Never Knew" and "Darling I Love You" in 2021, the latter a tender . "You Turned One" (2022) celebrates family milestones in a heartfelt acoustic style. More recent singles include "TRYNA BIG" (2023), "LIFTER" (2024), and "SERIOUS BLOCK" (2024). These singles, often premiered via video uploads, maintain Choi's direct connection with listeners without full-length commitments. As of November 2025, no new studio albums have been released.

Other media

Film and television appearances

David Choi has made several on-screen appearances in short films and web series, often portraying characters that align with his background as a musician, leveraging his charismatic public persona for engaging performances. In the 2010 short film Funemployed, produced by Wong Fu Productions, Choi played the role of Aaron, a music teacher and Kyle's cousin, appearing in episodes 7, 8, 10, and 11 of the web series. His character provides guidance on pursuing musical dreams amid unemployment struggles, drawing on Choi's real-life expertise in music. Choi appeared in the 2011 Wong Fu Productions web series Strangers, Again, portraying Donald, a friend in the story exploring the stages of a romantic relationship's decline. The short film, directed by Philip Wang, highlights Choi's ability to convey subtle emotional dynamics in ensemble scenes.

Song use in media

David Choi's music has been licensed for use in several Korean dramas, enhancing emotional scenes with his acoustic . His songs "Won't Even Start" and "Happiness is Always Near" appeared in the romantic comedy (2010), contributing to its heartfelt moments. His song "Love" was featured in the popular fantasy romance Secret Garden that same year, adding to the series' soundtrack alongside major Korean artists. In , Choi's songs gained exposure through high-profile campaigns in the . "By My Side" was prominently used in a 2011 Samsung Zipel commercial featuring actor , marking one of his early major placements in the Korean market. Earlier, in 2008, his duet "My Time With You" with served as the theme for J.C. Penney's "Get That Look" online campaign, which won an Addy Award and helped boost his visibility among American audiences. Beyond television and ads, Choi's tracks appeared in web series and international promotions up to 2015. The duet "My Time With You" was included in the soundtrack of the 2010 action-comedy web film Agents of Secret Stuff, produced by Wong Fu Productions and nigahiga, which amassed millions of views on YouTube. His music also featured in global commercials for brands like Toyota, Google, and GE during this period, showcasing his versatility in sync licensing. Additional placements include songs in Korean dramas such as Pasta (2010) and the Japanese version of Iris (2010).

Awards and nominations

Songwriting awards

David Choi's songwriting prowess was first nationally recognized in 2004 when he won the grand prize in the Weekend Magazine's Songwriting Contest in the teens category for an original composition themed around "." The contest, judged by prominent figures including Usher, praised Choi's ability to create broadly relatable lyrics that captured personal aspirations and societal ideals. That same year, Choi earned further acclaim through an international creative songwriting challenge by securing the grand prize in David Bowie's Mash-Up Contest for his entry "Big Shakin' Car," a fusion of Bowie's "Shake It" from the 1983 album Let's Dance and "She'll Drive a Big Car" from the 2003 album Reality. Selected personally by Bowie, this win highlighted Choi's innovative approach to lyrical and musical integration in a global competition open to fans worldwide; he received a $30,000 cash prize, which he used to upgrade his home studio.

Other honors

Choi's early adoption of as a platform for sharing original music and covers propelled him to notable online prominence. By 2011, his channel had achieved the 15th position among most-subscribed musicians and the 62nd spot overall among all users. This ranking underscored his influence in the burgeoning digital music scene, where subscriber counts served as a key metric of artist reach and engagement. His YouTube presence has continued to reflect sustained fan loyalty and the enduring appeal of his acoustic-style content, reaching approximately 921,000 subscribers as of November 2025.

References

  1. https://blogs.cornell.edu/asianammedia/2018/11/08/david-choi/
  2. https://www.ocregister.com/2009/05/29/meet-ocs-latest-internet-music-sensation/
  3. https://www.yamaha.com/artists/davidchoi.html
  4. https://www.davidchoimusic.com/bio
  5. https://nextshark.com/youtuber-david-choi-kids-music-company
  6. https://www.netinfluencer.com/david-choi-from-youtube-musician-to-rights-management-expert/
  7. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/david-choi.html
  8. https://charactermedia.com/david-choi-is-charting-new-frontiers/
  9. https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2010/12/20/artsDesign/YouTube-star-found-success-in-going-his-own-way/2929890.html
  10. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/258548/singing-about-the-good-things-with-david-choi/story/
  11. https://sparks-mag.com/2017/11/07/qa-david-choi/
  12. https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/lifestyle/food/2009/06/11/future-pop-david-choi-has/21546063007/
  13. https://www.hellokpop.com/news/interview-hellokpop-chats-with-david-choi-and-clara-c-in-atlanta/
  14. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/david-choi-mn0001615563
  15. https://music.apple.com/us/album/only-you/292190946
  16. https://www.discogs.com/release/31017997-David-Choi-Only-You
  17. https://music.apple.com/us/album/by-my-side/369026880
  18. https://genius.com/albums/David-choi/By-my-side
  19. https://www.yesasia.com/us/david-choi-vol-2-by-my-side-korea-version/1022715273-0-0-0-en/info.html
  20. http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/contestwinner19.htm
  21. https://hype.my/david-choi-forever-and-ever/
  22. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/david-choi/forever-and-ever/
  23. https://wordpress.meldmagazine.com.au/2012/05/david-choi-forever-and-ever-tour-melbourne/
  24. https://genius.com/albums/David-choi/Forever-and-ever
  25. https://www.jhunewsletter.com/article/2011/04/iac-hosts-youtube-star-david-choi-to-raise-money-for-japan-relief-efforts-68039
  26. https://open.spotify.com/album/4IgXNCCqcwNYEnvVCRizUP
  27. https://music.apple.com/us/album/stories-of-yous-and-me/1479951896
  28. https://www.honolulumagazine.com/a-chat-with-david-choi/
  29. https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-david-choi-christmas-album/1183042688
  30. https://open.spotify.com/album/2Qlbs4iqCXH4YMb4kYNddV
  31. https://rocketreach.co/takko-video-app-profile_b45ffa14fc68cf3d
  32. https://www.choismusic.com/
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSZBYnEWoe0
  34. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/david-choi/1451028012
  35. https://blog.angryasianman.com/2009/09/david-choi-is-going-on-tour.html
  36. https://www.allmusic.com/album/only-you-mw0001932982
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpk1rTLUSlw
  38. https://wordpress.meldmagazine.com.au/2011/07/david-choi-live-melbourne/
  39. https://wordpress.meldmagazine.com.au/2011/06/david-choi-music-stardom-youtube/
  40. https://www.allkpop.com/article/2012/01/david-choi-announces-forever-ever-west-coast-tour-2012
  41. https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/27301/youtube-sensation-david-choi-is-back-in-manila-for-his-forever-and-ever-asia-pacific-tour
  42. https://dokumen.pub/soundtracks-of-asian-america-navigating-race-through-musical-performance-9780822376088-0822376083.html
  43. https://www.honolulumagazine.com/2015-david-choi-concert/
  44. https://ucsdguardian.org/2015/03/21/qa-with-david-choi/
  45. https://raylc.org/uclabol/projects/articles/Article_Kollaboration9.html
  46. https://www.ocregister.com/2009/09/03/asian-american-concert-showcases-oc-stars/
  47. https://asamnews.com/2020/12/12/celebrating-20-years-of-asian-american-talent/
  48. https://www.viberate.com/artist/david-choi/
  49. https://marcreeves.wordpress.com/2011/02/12/david-choi-%25E2%2580%2593-by-my-side-review-by-marc-reeves/
  50. https://entertainment.inquirer.net/41009/david-choi-believes-music-can-change-the-world
  51. https://www.discogs.com/release/12606991-David-Choi-Only-You
  52. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/David-Choi/By-My-Side
  53. https://sonichits.com/video/David_Choi/FOREVER_AND_EVER
  54. https://www.aaemusic.com/artist/david-choi
  55. https://web.archive.org/web/20110301114448/http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/2010/02/201002best.htm
  56. https://www.rage.com.my/the-you-in-youtube/
  57. https://escholarship.org/content/qt1mj173ss/qt1mj173ss_noSplash_76d5301507053cdefcd558b75fcb029d.pdf
  58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnUditcWQFs
  59. https://www.crunchbase.com/person/david-choi-0f7b
  60. https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-choi-550bb7203
  61. https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidchoimusic
  62. https://www.aladin.co.kr/m/mproduct.aspx?ItemId=99261572
  63. https://music.apple.com/us/album/forever-and-ever/468744989
  64. https://open.spotify.com/album/5wkPKNvEYhiYL99PxGu6o7
  65. https://www.azlyrics.com/d/davidchoi.html
  66. https://open.spotify.com/artist/5TxL5c1vLglCvxeCrL6oap
  67. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4593841/
  68. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL499E4A59862FD825
  69. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2894384/
  70. https://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/music/singer-david-choi-has-learnt-get-comfy-himself
  71. https://www.allkpop.com/article/2011/02/david-chois-song-featured-in-a-samsung-ad-with-lee-seung-gi
  72. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yesstyle-serves-as-title-sponsor-for-david-choi-and-clara-cs-fall-tour-2012-168871716.html
  73. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1784332/soundtrack/
  74. https://victoriaadvocate.com/2009/06/08/david-choi-has-more-subscribers-on-youtube-than-miley-cyrus/
  75. https://www.davidbowie.com/2004/2004/06/14/david-bowies-mash-up-remix-contest-crowns-a-winner
  76. https://www.tunefind.com/artist/david-choi
  77. https://socialblade.com/youtube/handle/davidchoimusic
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.