In 2004 her father, a successful businessman in North of Korea, fled the country, followed by his family, who traveled first through China, then were smuggled through Vietnam before settling in South of Korea, where Choi"s promoters advertised her as the "Defector Girl Boxer". Choi entered the amateur ranks in South of Korea in 2006, winning 5 domestic titles before turning professional in 2007.
On the 23rd and 30 January, Choi featured in episodes of the popular Korean variety show Infinity Challenge, where she successfully defended her WBA Featherweight Women's title against Tenku Tsubasa.
At age 18 Choi was asked to prepare to compete in the 2008 Olympics as a member of the North Korean team Eventually the International Olympic Committee decided against including women"s boxing in the competition.
