On the 2nd, Choi Young-jae, who was a bodyguard during Moon Jae-in's presidential candidacy, appeared on MBC every1's entertainment program 'Video Star' and revealed that he temporarily stopped working as a bodyguard. Photo by MBC every1 'Video Star' broadcast capture
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Min Jun-young] Choi Young-jae, a bodyguard who was in charge of security during Moon Jae-in's presidential campaign, revealed that he has temporarily stopped his bodyguard duties.
On the 2nd, the MBC every1 variety show 'Video Star' aired a special episode titled 'I am a Bodyguard,' featuring four bodyguards: Choi Young-jae, Byun Jeong-gil, Gu Bon-geun, and Go Seok-jin.
During the broadcast, host Park Na-rae introduced Choi Young-jae by saying, "Everyone must have seen him through the news. The photos taken during Moon Jae-in's presidential campaign caused a sensation."
In response to Park Na-rae's question, "Did you become a close protection officer because of your face?" Choi Young-jae said, "Since you are positioned very close, you can even represent the image of the principal. You can't look too rough or intimidating."
He added, "Our team leader recommended me because he thought it would be best if the person looked the softest."
Park Na-rae explained, "The bodyguard team leader who selected Choi Young-jae at that time was Gu Bon-geun."
Gu Bon-geun said, "At first, he was very gentle, so I assigned him to close protection, but at some point, he became a celebrity. It was a bit difficult then because the spotlight was on this side."
Choi Young-jae said, "I didn't know at first, but I found out when people around me said there was a commotion. I felt uncomfortable receiving attention, and since it was reported in the media and I was contacted, I couldn't continue the protection work."
Choi Young-jae gained attention from British and major foreign media for photos taken during close protection of Moon Jae-in during his presidential campaign.
He continued, "After Moon Jae-in was elected president, I temporarily stopped bodyguard work, hoping my face would be forgotten. After the election, when I traveled abroad, the immigration officer recognized me," he explained.
He added, "I have done one of the most extreme jobs a man can do for 10 years, and when my daughter was born, I wanted to give her a lot of a father's love while she was young."
He also said, "I have experienced near-death situations, stayed awake for a week, and even been underwater, but three hours of childcare is harder. So, I also run a kids' cafe. When I play with the children, the mothers can take a break."
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