The Untold Story of Choa: From K-pop Stardom to Life After AOA (2025)

Choa kpop star's journey from success to silence and back again represents one of K-pop's most compelling career transformations. During her time as AOA's main vocalist, she showcased exceptional singing abilities, hitting impressive notes from D3 to G5, while contributing to hit songs like "Miniskirt" and "Heart Attack."

However, in June 2017, Park Choa stepped away from AOA, citing struggles with insomnia and depression. Following a three-year hiatus, she made a remarkable return to the music scene in 2020, signing with Great M Entertainment and launching various solo projects, including her single "Yesterday" in 2022.

Early Life and Path to K-pop Stardom

Born in Incheon, South Korea, Park Choa's musical journey began with simple moments watching music programs alongside her older sister. Initially drawn to idol performances on television, she viewed celebrities as inhabitants of an unreachable world. Subsequently, her perspective shifted dramatically upon encountering actual trainees from major entertainment companies during her third year of middle school.

Childhood Dreams and Family Support

Despite her passion for music, Choa faced significant resistance from her conservative family. Her father, particularly concerned about job security, steered her toward a traditional career path. Consequently, she enrolled in Aviation Business Administration at Inha Technical College. Nevertheless, her determination remained unwavering as she secretly pursued her musical aspirations, utilizing YouTube as her primary learning resource.

Multiple Failed Auditions

Choa's path to stardom proved remarkably challenging. Here's a glimpse of her audition journey:

Failed SM Entertainment auditions 15 times
Reached final round at JYP Entertainment before elimination
Worked as an IPTV salesperson, achieving top sales position with earnings of 5 million won

Training Period at FNC Entertainment

A chance encounter fundamentally altered Choa's trajectory when she met singer-songwriter Juniel, who introduced her to FNC Entertainment's audition opportunity. Furthermore, both artists shared a common background as former trainees at a bankrupt company. Upon joining FNC Entertainment, Choa underwent intensive training from 2009 to 2012.

Throughout this period, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, transforming from a self-taught aspirant into a polished performer. Her previous experiences, particularly the numerous failed auditions, shaped her into a more determined and skilled artist. Additionally, the training period at FNC Entertainment provided the structured guidance she had long sought, preparing her for the demanding world of K-pop stardom.

Debut and Rise with AOA

On July 30, 2012, Park Choa stepped onto the stage of Mnet's M Countdown alongside seven other members, marking AOA's official debut with their single "Elvis". The group introduced a unique "transformer" concept, alternating between performances as a dance group and as a band.

Formation of AOA and Group Dynamic

AOA launched with an innovative "7+1" structure, where seven members served as "full angels," specifically Seolhyun, Choa, Hyejeong, Chanmi, Yuna, Mina, and leader Jimin. Youkyung held a special position as a "half-angel," participating exclusively in the group's band performances. This distinctive format allowed AOA to showcase versatility through both dance and instrumental performances.

Breakthrough Moments and Hit Songs

The group's defining moment arrived in January 2014 with the release of "Miniskirt." This track, produced by Brave Brothers, ElephantKingdom, and Galactika, became their commercial breakthrough. Notable achievements include:

Reaching #11 on Gaon Digital Chart
Securing their first music show win on Inkigayo (February 9, 2014)
Selling over 1.36 million digital downloads by 2015

Moreover, AOA solidified their success with subsequent releases. Their first mini-album featuring "Short Hair" peaked at #4 on Gaon Weekly Album Chart. The group's popularity soared further with "Like a Cat," which dominated the Gaon Social Chart for six consecutive weeks.

Position as Main Vocalist

As AOA's main vocalist, Choa's contributions extended beyond group activities. Specifically, she ventured into musical theater, taking the lead role of Gabriella in "High School Musical" from July to September 2013. Additionally, she released a solo OST for TV Chosun's "Bride of the Century" in March 2014. Her versatility as a performer became evident through collaborations, notably with Primary and Iron for the single "Don't Be Shy" in July 2015.

The Peak of Fame (2014-2016)

Between 2014 and 2016, AOA ascended to unprecedented heights in the K-pop industry, establishing themselves as one of the leading girl groups of their era.

Iconic Blonde Short Hair Era

Choa's signature platinum blonde bob became a defining symbol of AOA's success. After debuting with long hair, she transformed her look with a short blonde style that instantly captured public attention. Accordingly, this dramatic change resonated so strongly that their Japanese CEO couldn't recognize her when she briefly attempted a different hairstyle. The distinctive look became such an integral part of her identity that she maintained it throughout AOA's peak years.

Notable Performances and Achievements

AOA's meteoric rise included several milestone achievements:

Topped multiple charts with "Heart Attack," which became one of the most downloaded songs of 2015
Secured their first United States performances at KCON 2015, appearing in both Los Angeles and New York
Dominated the Gaon Social Chart for six consecutive weeks with "Like a Cat"

Public Recognition and Popularity

The group's influence extended far beyond music charts. Essentially, AOA established themselves among the top five best-selling girl groups on Gaon during this period. Their success manifested through various channels, with "Short Hair" ranking eighth on Billboard's "Most Viewed K-pop Videos Around the World".

Choa's individual activities flourished simultaneously. She joined the cast of "My Little Television" and became a panel member on "We Got Married". Her versatility shone through collaborations, primarily evidenced by her work with Primary and Iron on "Don't Be Shy". Furthermore, she ventured into commercial endorsements, becoming the face of sports brand NBA's 2015 S/S collection and Alba Heaven.

The group's popularity peaked around mid-2015, with their songs consistently charting higher than previous releases. Their signature tracks from this era, including "Miniskirt," "Short Hair," and "Like a Cat," formed what fans called the "Holy Trinity" of sexy K-pop songs. Undoubtedly, this period marked AOA's most influential chapter, characterized by widespread domestic recognition and a growing international fanbase.

The Decision to Leave

In June 2017, a pivotal moment unfolded in K-pop history as Park Choa announced her departure from AOA through a heartfelt Instagram post. The decision marked the end of an era for both the artist and her devoted fanbase.

Factors Leading to Departure

The culmination of several challenges prompted Choa's exit from the group. Primarily, her battle with insomnia and depression had persisted for two years, requiring medication and a reduced workload. Her struggles intensified as she found herself unable to maintain the bright persona expected of her. "I wanted to run away because it was difficult for me to see myself," she revealed in a later interview.

The pressure of perfectionism fundamentally affected her decision. "If I can't be the best even if I try hard, there's no point in staying in this business," she reflected, expressing her desire to enjoy her remaining twenties. Her departure stemmed from:

Persistent mental health challenges
Difficulty maintaining public image
Overwhelming pressure to achieve perfection
Need for personal growth and healing

Public Reaction and Support

The announcement triggered widespread concern among fans and industry peers. Initially, rumors circulated about potential personal issues, but Choa's transparent communication about her mental health challenges earned respect from the community. Evidently, her openness about these struggles helped initiate important conversations about idol welfare in the K-pop industry.

Personal Reflection Period

Following her departure, Choa entered a period of profound self-discovery. "I couldn't sleep properly when I was working, so I've slept a lot. I ate delicious food, traveled, and got a lot of rest," she shared. This time away from the spotlight allowed her to process her experiences and rebuild her mental well-being.

The reflection period proved transformative as she learned to prioritize her health over public expectations. "I thought to myself that to do as well as I wanted, I had to be reborn," she explained. Hence, her decision to step back wasn't merely an escape but a necessary step toward personal growth and healing.

Throughout this challenging transition, Choa maintained her connection with fans through occasional social media updates, expressing gratitude for their continued support. As a result, her departure, ultimately became a testament to the importance of prioritizing mental health in the demanding world of K-pop.

Behind the Spotlight

Beneath the glittering surface of K-pop stardom, Park Choa faced mounting pressures that would ultimately reshape her career path. The reality behind the scenes painted a stark contrast to her public persona, revealing the complex challenges of idol life.

Mental Health Struggles

The demands of celebrity life took a significant toll on Choa's mental well-being. Rather than maintaining her characteristic bright image, she found herself "crying inside" while forcing outward happiness. Primarily, her struggles manifested through severe insomnia and depression, leading to a dependence on medication - a common reality for many K-pop idols.

Pressure of Fame

The constant scrutiny and expectations weighed heavily on Choa's shoulders. Although she maintained her professional commitments, she struggled with self-perception, particularly when watching herself on monitors. The pressure to continually present a fresh image while facing negative judgments became overwhelming. Certainly, this internal conflict intensified as she strived to meet the industry's demanding standards.

Work-Life Balance Challenges

The K-pop industry's intense work culture created significant hurdles for maintaining healthy boundaries. South Korea's entertainment sector demonstrates some of the most demanding schedules globally:

Second-longest working hours among OECD countries at 1,978 hours annually
Significantly higher percentage of employees working 50+ hours weekly compared to OECD average
Constant pressure to maintain 120% effort for group success

The exhaustion from these demands ultimately led to burnout. "One day it was like the fuse had blown," Choa revealed, describing how fatigue accumulated despite her naturally optimistic nature. Indeed, this experience reflects a broader industry issue, with many active idols relying on medication to cope with demanding schedules and overseas activities.

Altogether, these challenges highlighted a critical issue in the K-pop industry - the need for better mental health support and work-life balance. Still, Choa's openness about these struggles has helped spark important conversations about idol welfare and industry practices.

Beyond the Stage Persona

Beneath her public image as AOA's powerhouse vocalist, Park Choa's authentic personality reveals a complex blend of traits that shaped her journey in the entertainment industry.

Real Personality Traits

Park Choa embodies a unique combination of artistic flair and emotional depth. Her innovative mind thrives in creative environments, allowing her to excel in various artistic pursuits. As an individual, she demonstrates remarkable sensitivity to others' emotions, often serving as an empathetic listener for those around her. This heightened emotional awareness, therefore, manifests in her ability to connect deeply with people, though it occasionally leaves her vulnerable to feeling overwhelmed by intense situations.

Relationships with Members

The dynamics within AOA remained notably harmonious throughout Choa's tenure. In fact, she explicitly stated, "We never fought. I don't think we even complained in daily conversations". Her relationship with former member Mina has endured beyond their time in AOA, as evidenced by their October 2022 reunion where Mina affectionately referred to her as "Chwa unnie". Similarly, their continued friendship demonstrates the authentic bonds formed during their time together.

Off-camera Life

Away from the spotlight, Choa maintains close friendships within the industry, including a meaningful relationship with makeup artist Risabae, who proudly displays their photos and AOA albums in her shop. Her YouTube endeavors have become a significant part of her current life, where she creates content ranging from music covers to behind-the-scenes glimpses of her daily activities.

Primarily focused on personal growth, Choa has developed a balanced perspective on success and happiness. Her current approach to entertainment involves helping others through various mediums - whether through singing, acting, or appearing on TV programs. This mindset shift reflects her evolution from solely pursuing perfection to finding fulfillment in meaningful connections and creative expression.

Rediscovering Identity

After stepping away from the spotlight, Park Choa embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing. The former AOA member dedicated time to rebuilding her life outside the entertainment industry, focusing on personal well-being and exploring new interests.

Life After AOA

The initial months following her departure centered around basic recovery needs. "I slept well, ate well, and traveled around," Choa shared about her healing process. Fundamentally, this period allowed her to address the exhaustion that had accumulated during her idol years. She moved to Seoul and established a new daily routine, marking the beginning of her independent life.

Personal Growth Journey

Through her recovery period, Choa discovered unexpected interests that helped reshape her identity. Primarily, she developed a keen interest in financial markets, starting with stock trading during the COVID-19 market downturn. Her analytical approach to this new venture proved successful, as she reported positive returns from her investments.

The journey also involved confronting past perfectionist tendencies. "I think I gave up on myself because it was difficult for the same person to keep showing a new look and I was always judged negatively," she reflected. This realization led her to develop a healthier relationship with self-expression and creativity.

New Creative Pursuits

By 2020, Choa channeled her artistic energy into new platforms. She launched her YouTube channel, creating content that ranged from music covers to lifestyle vlogs. This venture allowed her to connect with audiences on her own terms, free from the rigid expectations of idol life.

Her musical journey took a meaningful turn when she contributed "Here I Am" to the soundtrack of "Men Are Men". Generally, this project represented more than just a return to singing - it symbolized her ability to engage with music on her own terms. "What I've recently realized is that it's very attractive for an artist to tell their own story through lyrics," she expressed.

The transformation extended beyond her professional life. She adopted a more balanced lifestyle, focusing on personal growth while maintaining connections with her former colleagues. Namely, her continued friendship with makeup artist Risabae and former AOA members demonstrated her ability to preserve meaningful relationships while forging her own path.

Return to Entertainment

The year 2020 marked Park Choa's strategic return to the entertainment industry, beginning with her signing to Great M Entertainment.

YouTube Career Launch

Primarily focusing on digital platforms, Choa launched her YouTube channel with a cover of Maroon 5's "Girls Like You". Her approach to content creation stemmed from her own learning experiences, as she explained, "YouTube was my school. I looked up things like 'vocal covers', 'dance covers', and 'dance routines'". Through her channel, she explores various musical interpretations and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life.

Solo Music Projects

Since her return, Choa has built an impressive portfolio of musical releases:

OST contributions including "Here I Am" for "To All The Guys Who Loved Me" and "Thorn" for "Lovestruck in the City"
Collaboration with hip-hop producer Primary for "Cloud" in September 2020
Partnership with former Beast member Jang Hyun-seung for "Hush" in 2022

Presently, her musical direction reflects a more mature approach. "When I was getting ready to make a comeback after a long break, I wanted to put aside 'the desire to be the best' which had taken a toll on me and sing songs that could gently work their way into someone's everyday life".

Connection with Fans

Straightaway upon her return, Choa established direct communication channels with her audience through social media platforms. Her first Q&A session on YouTube demonstrated her commitment to maintaining authentic connections with supporters. "I'll always try to remember to be grateful that I can help someone take a break through songs, TV shows, or YouTube," she shared.

Her recent appearance on the variety show "Playing Unnie" alongside industry veterans like Chae Rina, Lee Jihye, Narsha, and Ivy has provided a platform to share her experiences openly. Through these appearances, she continues to advocate for better mental health awareness in the industry, expressing concern about younger artists facing similar challenges.

Current Life and Future Plans

Park Choa's evolution in the entertainment industry continues to unfold with remarkable developments in late 2023 and early 2024.

Recent Activities and Projects

Primarily, Choa joined the cast of "Diva Sisters" in November 2023, a variety show featuring five accomplished singers who share candid conversations about their experiences in the entertainment industry. Her YouTube channel has fundamentally transformed into a platform for both artistic expression and education, where she creates diverse content ranging from vocal covers to lifestyle vlogs.

Her recent achievements include:

Hosting "Your Literacy+" as main presenter
Contributing to charitable initiatives
Developing content that bridges entertainment and education

Personal and Professional Goals

Markedly, Choa's approach to her career has shifted toward maintaining equilibrium between professional ambitions and personal well-being. "Before, I had a great desire to do well professionally. Now, I will keep my balance as an individual and me as an entertainer," she expressed. Forthwith, she has committed to expanding her charitable work, stating, "I will continue to pay attention to charitable work in the future".

Lessons Learned

The former AOA member's journey has yielded valuable insights about sustainability in the entertainment industry. Ultimately, she discovered that helping others through various mediums - singing, acting, or television appearances - brings meaningful fulfillment. Her experience has contributed to broader conversations about artist welfare, as she advocates for better mental health awareness among younger performers.

Henceforth, Choa approaches her career with a renewed perspective, focusing on creating content that resonates with everyday life rather than pursuing perfection. This transformation reflects her understanding that authentic connection with audiences holds greater value than achieving conventional metrics of success in the entertainment industry.

FAQS

Fans frequently seek answers about Park Choa's journey in K-pop. Here are the most commonly asked questions about the former AOA member's career and life choices.

Why did Choa leave AOA at the peak of their success? Primarily, her departure stemmed from severe insomnia and depression, which required medication and reduced workload. She struggled with maintaining her bright public image while "crying inside". Fundamentally, her perfectionist mindset led her to believe that if she couldn't be the best, there was no point in continuing.

How did Choa handle her mental health challenges? She began taking medication for insomnia and depression approximately two years before her departure. Ultimately, she realized the importance of prioritizing personal well-being over professional commitments. Many K-pop stars face similar challenges, often relying on medications to maintain their demanding schedules.

What activities did Choa pursue during her hiatus? After leaving AOA, she focused on basic recovery needs - sleeping well, eating properly, and traveling. She also explored financial markets, particularly during the COVID-19 period, demonstrating her interest in areas beyond entertainment.

How has Choa's perspective on the entertainment industry changed? Her outlook has evolved significantly. Instead of pursuing perfection, she now focuses on creating content that resonates with everyday life. "I wanted to put aside 'the desire to be the best' which had taken a toll on me," she explained.

What message does Choa have for aspiring K-pop idols? Based on her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental health in the demanding K-pop industry. She particularly expresses concern about younger artists facing similar challenges, advocating for better awareness and support systems.

How does Choa maintain her connection with fans now? Through her YouTube channel, she creates diverse content ranging from music covers to lifestyle vlogs. She regularly engages with supporters through social media platforms and variety show appearances, maintaining authentic connections while sharing her experiences openly.

What are Choa's current career goals? Henceforth, she aims to balance her role as an entertainer with personal well-being. Her focus has shifted from achieving perfection to helping others through various mediums - whether through singing, acting, or television appearances.