After years of making music, the Korean star reflects on her creative path as her film premieres worldwide
In Partnership
Interview by THE C MAGAZINE EDITORS
Multihyphenate creative Yulee Choi, the Korean composer and singer-songwriter who founded SRP Entertainment and manages girl group Rocking Doll, is debuting in a new medium with the global streaming launch of her movie Food Truck: Stolen Love…and Moo Deng. Screened on Thursday, May 28, at Netflix’s Roma Theater in Hollywood in celebration of its worldwide release, the romantic comedy — which brings together three friends: a runaway boy seeking his father, a viral baby pygmy hippo, and a Thai food truck — depicts Choi as the boy’s mother, an actor shooting on location. A chaotic road trip ensues when the boy sneaks onto the food truck, and the journey brings old friends together.
After years navigating the ever-changing music industry, Choi’s presence onscreen seems like a natural extension of her behind-the-mic performances, and here she even hones her comedic chops. The film, from Thailand, is directed by Chaleumpol Tikumpornteerawong and Watcharapong Pattama with consulting producers Keyun “Country” Parker and Tony Sarandos, and Choi (who studied Thai while at university and speaks it fluently) is joined onscreen by Thai stars Mario Maurer and Jack Fanchan. She also penned a song for the film, noting that as a single mother, she related to her character.
Here, she sits down with C to talk about her acting debut and what she loves about Los Angeles.
This is your first acting role after all these years in music, developing K-pop groups and entertainment. What was it like to perform onscreen in a feature film?
I’ve spent most of my career expressing stories through music, whether as a performer, songwriter, or helping develop artists. Acting was a completely new challenge because instead of communicating emotions through a song, I had to live them in the moment and trust that the audience would feel them. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, but I loved every part of the process. It reminded me that storytelling can take many forms, and I discovered a new creative side of myself through this experience.
Did you study acting? How did it feel to perform in this new medium?
I studied acting specifically for this role. Coming from music, I was used to performing in a very different way, so I wanted to approach the character with respect and preparation. What I learned is that acting requires a lot of patience and honesty. Sometimes the most powerful moments are the quietest ones. It taught me to trust my instincts, be present, and focus on the truth of the scene rather than trying to control every detail.
What drew you to this Korean character in a film that combines Thai and Korean languages? You speak both.
One of the things that attracted me most was the multicultural story. Having worked and lived between Korean and Thai cultures, I understand both perspectives and have always appreciated the connections between them. This film celebrates those connections in a very natural way. It felt meaningful to be part of a project that brings people together across languages and cultures while telling a story that is ultimately universal.
You wrote the song “After the Rain” for the film and have said it’s about overcoming obstacles. What was your process while writing and performing it?
“After the Rain” is about resilience, hope, and finding light after difficult moments. We all go through challenges that can feel overwhelming, but I believe growth often comes from those experiences. When I was writing the song, I wanted it to feel emotional and honest, but also uplifting. Performing it for the film made it even more special because the themes of the song connect so closely with the journey of the characters. In many ways, it reflects lessons I’ve learned in my own life and career as well. Writing it was very personal, and performing it for the film made the story feel even more connected to my own experiences.
What does your character learn in the film about love and relationships in general?
I think my character learns that love is about much more than romance or happiness. Real love requires trust, understanding, forgiveness, and sometimes sacrifice. Relationships are not always easy, but they challenge us to grow and see the world from another person’s perspective. By the end of the story, I think she understands that vulnerability is not a weakness. It’s actually one of the things that makes human connection so meaningful.
Have you made your own culinary discoveries while bringing this film to Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has such an amazing creative energy. I love how people from so many different cultures and artistic backgrounds come together here. And yes, I’ve eaten some incredible food here. The Korean food is amazing, of course, but I’ve also loved exploring local food trucks and discovering great tacos. The food culture here is so diverse, which feels very connected to the spirit of our film.
What new songs, films, or TV projects are next?
I’m currently working on new music and exploring several exciting opportunities in film and television. One of the things this project taught me is how much I enjoy storytelling across different mediums, so I’m excited to continue growing as both an artist and an actor. I can’t share too much just yet, but there are some projects in development that I’m really looking forward to, and I hope audiences will continue to see new sides of me in the future.
Feature image: Yulee Choi attends Food Truck: Stolen Love… and Moo Deng Friends and Family Screening in Los Angeles. PHOTO: Getty Images for Netflix.
May 29, 2026.
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