“Guardian: The Lonely And Great God” Actor Makes History With Unexpected Career First

Actor Choi Woong has been on plenty of K-Drama sets, but his latest headline-making role did not happen in front of a camera; it happened on a tennis court.

The actor, known for appearing in popular shows including Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Descendants Of The Sun, and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, recently made history by becoming the first celebrity to win an open division tennis tournament.

According to reports, Choi Woong won the “Yangpyeong Okcheon Cup Open Division Tennis Tournament” held on May 31, 2026 (KST). He competed in doubles alongside South African tennis coach Andy, and the pair defeated multiple strong opponents on their way to the championship.

The victory is especially meaningful because the open division is considered a highly competitive level of recreational tennis. Although the Yangpyeong Okcheon Cup is a non-ranking tournament, it reportedly draws many former business team athletes, former college and high school players, and coach-level players.

For an actor without a professional athlete background to win at that level is considered rare. It is also reportedly the first time a celebrity has ever won an open division tournament.

Choi Woong has been steadily training while balancing acting projects and filming schedules. After about 4 years and 6 months since first taking up tennis, he reached the top of the open division, demonstrating both his athletic ability and focus.

This is not his first major tennis achievement, either. Last year, Choi Woong became the first male celebrity to win the rookie division of a national tournament. Now, after moving beyond the rookie division and winning at the open division level, he has further proven his skills on the court.

Reports also praised his teamwork with Andy during the tournament, noting their stable partnership, doubles strategy, ability to read the flow of the match, and focus during difficult moments. That said, Choi Woong shared his next goal after the win. “My current goal is to win the open division of a ranking tournament,” he said.

I hope this achievement becomes an opportunity for tennis to receive more public interest and love. And this result was possible thanks to Andy, who was a great partner. I won’t be satisfied with this victory. I will continue challenging myself toward my goal with more practice and effort.

— Choi Woong

Choi Woong debuted in 2011 as a model for a Bacchus commercial. Since then, he has steadily built his acting career through hit K-Dramas—and now, his athlete career, too!