Choo Sung-hoon Captivates Viewers with Honest Daily Life and Mukbang Content
From Tough Fighter to Cheerful YouTuber: A Contrast of Charms
'Human Copy Machine' Comedian Suzy Lee Follows in Second Place
This year, former mixed martial artist Choo Sung-hoon was selected as the most popular YouTube creator in Korea. YouTube explained, "Creators who possess an engaging charm and a distinct concept strategy have made it to the list of top creators," adding, "Among them, Choo Sung-hoon showcased comic daily-life content with his candid and down-to-earth personality."
Choo Sung-hoon is doing a mukbang at a steak restaurant in Meguro-gu, Tokyo. YouTube channel 'Choo Sung-hoon'
On December 3, YouTube announced its '2025 Year-End Recap List,' which highlighted the most popular topics, creators, songs, and Shorts songs. According to the list, Choo Sung-hoon, who presents unfiltered daily-life content, ranked first among the top creators. Since posting his first YouTube video on November 14 last year, his channel has surpassed 1.98 million subscribers.
'Trending Ajosshi' Choo Sung-hoon, YouTube's No. 1 Creator of the Year
Choo Sung-hoon immediately captured the attention of Korean YouTube users when he uploaded his first major video, "Choo Sung-hoon Living as a Tenant at Yano Shiho's House," in November last year. The video drew attention not only for revealing a 5 billion won house in Tokyo, Japan, but especially for candidly exposing his wife Yano Shiho's untidy bedroom while she was away, which became a massive hit.
Later, it was revealed that the video was not staged but showed a real situation, and stories spread that Choo Sung-hoon and Yano Shiho had a marital argument after the video was released, which further boosted its popularity. This video has now reached an impressive 10.99 million views.
Choo Sung-hoon's unique way of calling himself "Ajosshi" (middle-aged man) in his awkward Korean pronunciation is also one of the reasons for his popularity. Online users have commented that Choo Sung-hoon's content is even more entertaining because it is unfiltered and relatable.
Choo Sung-hoon is revealing the bedroom of his untidy wife, Yano Shiho. YouTube channel 'Choo Sung-hoon'
Content featuring food, or "mukbang," is just as beloved as his house tour videos. The video "Choo Sung-hoon's Guide to the Best Steakhouse in Japan" has recorded 11.2 million views. At a steak restaurant in Meguro-gu, Tokyo, which he has frequented for 19 years, Choo Sung-hoon devoured steak and rice with the intensity of a vacuum cleaner. After the video was released, the restaurant saw a surge in customers, and a Western restaurant in Korea even introduced a menu inspired by "Choo Sung-hoon Steak."
Choo Sung-hoon also filmed mukbangs featuring convenience store desserts. He picked his favorites, such as choux cream bread and a roll cake filled with fresh cream, and even tried an ice cream with honey sweet potato that is only available at Japanese convenience stores. The "Ajosshi's" smile never left his face as he enjoyed these sweet desserts. This video currently has 8.36 million views.
Sung-Hoon Cho is introducing the food he bought at a convenience store. YouTube channel 'Sung-Hoon Cho'
"Hyper-Realistic Satire"... 'Human Copier' Suzy Lee Ranks Second
Comedian Suzy Lee took second place among the most popular creators. Her parody videos, which have been described as "hyper-realistic satire," "perfect reenactments," and "human copier," have gained explosive popularity, with many saying her satire has reached the level of art.
In particular, her "Human Documentary: Loving My Child" series, which satirizes the reality of Gangnam mothers, stands out. Audiences were captivated by her portrayal of "Dochimam" (a term combining "dochi," meaning hedgehog, with "mam," referring to mothers who are fiercely devoted to their children) in Daechi-dong, Gangnam's private education hub, who goes to great lengths for her child's education.
From hairstyles to Moncler padded jackets, Chanel bags, Hermes necklaces, and Porsche Cayenne cars, Suzy Lee's portrayal of "Lee Sodam" perfectly captured the reality of the so-called "Daechi-dong Dochimam" or "Daechimam," earning praise for its authenticity.
Other creators who made it into the top 10 include "Chef Ahn Sungjae" (6th place), who showcased both sincerity and uniqueness as a Michelin-starred chef, and "Emotionally Unstable Kim Hamjji" (7th place), who depicted realistic office life through an AI hamster character.
K-Content Dominates Popular Songs and Topics
Looking at this year's popular topics, three K-content titles proved their influence: the Netflix animation "K-Pop Demon Hunters," the drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines," and "Squid Game."
Based on domestic YouTube view counts, the most popular song was "Golden," the theme song for the globally popular Netflix animation "K-Pop Demon Hunters." "K-Pop Demon Hunters" also placed "Soda Pop" and "Your Idol" at third and tenth, respectively, further proving its phenomenal popularity. For Shorts, the most popular songs were "Soda Pop" and "Golden," both of which also ranked in the overall top 10.
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