Choi Yeo-jin was born in Korea, but after her parents divorced, they emigrated to Canada when she was in the first year of middle school. She dreamed of becoming a ballerina, but had to give that up after her family went through some financial difficulties.

Choi debuted in the entertainment business via the Super Elite Model Contest held in Canada in 2001. She went on a leave of absence from George Brown College (she was majoring in Hotel Management) to pursue an entertainment career in Korea. Choi has since starred in several television series and films, notably Surgeon Bong Dal-hee, Golden Bride, My Woman, More Charming by the Day, and I Need Romance.

In 2012 Choi gained popularity due to her stint on reality show Dancing with the Stars, taking the top spot six times out of 11 competitions, and eventually winning.