From SHINee to Saja Boys: Andrew Choi’s Unexpected K-pop Legacy

Andrew Choi was already a hidden force in real-world K-pop before becoming Jinu, the soulful lead of the animated boy band Saja Boys, a member of the K-Pop Demon Hunters. 

Choi co-wrote the quiet, emotional ballad "Beautiful" for SHINee in 2013, and it slowly acquired popularity. He did not make his debut as a traditional idol, but he established himself as a creative collaborator, vocal arranger, and composer for some of Korea's most prominent idol groups such as EXO, NCT, Red Velvet and many more.

Choi's early SHINee recognition paved the way for a long and successful career. More than 10 years later, he is speaking to a whole new audience as the voice of Jinu, a popular character from the K-Pop Demon Hunters album available on Netflix.

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How the K-Pop Demon Hunters Opportunity Happened

Andrew was never aiming to become the singing voice of an animated K-pop idol. When his friend Ejae, a prolific songwriter behind Red Velvet’s “Psycho” and aespa’s “Drama,” asked him to lend his voice to a demo for K-Pop Demon Hunters, he agreed. The two had met some years ago at a church gathering and stayed close ever since.

At first, the ask was simple: record a vocal guide for the track “Soda Pop,” singing the part of the character Jinu. But late in production, he was invited back to re-record. Thinking it was just another pass at the same song, Choi walked into the studio — and into something much bigger.

“They asked me to sing parts of ‘My Idol’ and ‘Free,’” he recalls, “and then someone turned to me and said, ‘By the way, you’re doing Jinu.’” The room was full. Writers, producers, creatives. Choi had no time to prepare — but he stepped up.

What began as a quiet favor for a friend transformed into a defining moment. The team saw what everyone can hear now: that Andrew Choi didn’t just sing Jinu’s songs — he embodied him.

Now the internet can't stop searching for his name ''Andrew Choi'', looking for as much information that connects the singing voice of Jinu to a face and story.

Why TikTok Is Freaking Out

Fans couldn't believe the crossover when a TikTok video titled "Andrew Choi (Jinu from K-Pop Demon Hunters) Wrote a SHINee Song First" surfaced. With over 250,000 views to date, the video established a powerful connection: the creator of your favorite cartoon idol is a true K-pop pioneer.

The Real and the Fictional Collide

This is an emotional irony. Jinu, the most vulnerable and grounded of the fictitious Saja Boys in K-Pop Demon Hunters. Similarly, Andrew Choi's real-life career has been defined by modest tenacity, emotional depth, and meaningful song-based storytelling.
He is not merely a character's voice actor. In journey, sound, and spirit, he personifies that persona.

Final Take

The tale of Andrew Choi demonstrates that the greatest artists don't always seek fame; occasionally, they create it.Moreover, are you blocking Jinu? All along, you have been listening to Andrew Choi.