Personal life

Minho graduated from Konkuk University's affiliated high school on February 10, 2010.[40] After taking the college admissions test the previous year, he was admitted in 2010 to Konkuk's part-time admittance for the arts and culture film major and graduated in 2015.[41] His father, Choi Yun-kyum, is a well-known South Korean soccer coach. Minho inherited his father's ability and showed his skills in shows like KBS2's Our Town’s Physical Variety and won high praise from Lee Young-pyo, a retired member of the national team. Minho also led his team to victory at the Idol Futsal World Cup Competition.[42] Originally Minho wanted to become a professional football player like his father but he disapproved of his decision stating: "Frankly, I didn’t want him to follow my path, [...] Back when I was playing, it was difficult to make it in that world, very abusive back in those days. I would stay home for a couple of hours and then be off to training camp. It pained me to see my son asking me to stay over for the night.". His father also added that from the football manager’s point of view, he didn’t think his son had it in him to make it in that field stating Minho is a strong-willed person, but has a small frame.[39]

In 2011, he was named an Honorary Ambassador for Youth 2011.[43] Three years later in 2014, Minho and Yoona were appointed as UNICEF Unihero Campaign Ambassadors "Giving Hope to the Children".[44] In the same year, Minho was listed among the Top Korean Stars, receiving 300 million won as his annual advertising rate.[45]