Mixed martial artist Choo Sung Hoon recently shared why he decided not to send his daughter Choo Sa Rang to a top school in New York City. The fighter opened up about his concerns during a YouTube video posted on May 15. He cited high costs and worries about racism as the main reasons for his decision.
Choo explained that he and his wife, Japanese model Shiho Yano, visited a prestigious New York school for an interview. However, they ultimately chose not to enroll their daughter there. “It was just too expensive,” he said in the video. The family also received warnings about racial discrimination in the city.
A New York resident reportedly told Choo, “New York is actually one of the most racist places.” This warning deeply affected the fighter. He added, “Why send a child to a scary place where there’s so much discrimination?” Instead, the family opted for Hawaii, where Choo felt safer due to its large Asian population.
Choo emphasized that he has never forced his daughter into academics or sports. “She doesn’t have to study or play sports if she doesn’t want to,” he said. The same applies to his wife Shiho. Their parenting approach focuses on gentle encouragement rather than pressure.
The couple married in 2009 and welcomed their daughter Sa Rang in 2011. Choo gained fame as a fighter while Shiho is a well-known model in Japan. Their daughter became a popular child star after appearing on the Korean reality show The Return of Superman.
Choo Sa Rang, now 13, has grown up in the public eye. She previously lived in Hawaii for educational purposes before returning to Japan. Her parents have always supported her interests, whether in modeling, kickboxing, or other activities.
In the past, Choo Sung Hoon mentioned that Sa Rang trains in kickboxing twice a week. He said, “If she wants to pursue MMA, I’ll support her as much as possible.” However, he also made it clear that she would be responsible for any injuries sustained in training.
The family recently returned to television after a six-year break. They are appearing in ENA’s new reality show My Child’s Private Life. Fans have been excited to see how much Sa Rang has grown since her last TV appearance.
Choo Sung Hoon and Shiho Yano have always been open about their parenting journey. In 2019, Shiho shared emotional birthday wishes for Sa Rang on Instagram. She wrote about her daughter’s growth and how she overcame social struggles.
The couple’s decision to prioritize their daughter’s well-being over prestige reflects their parenting values. By choosing Hawaii over New York, they ensured Sa Rang could grow up in a more inclusive environment. Their story highlights the challenges many families face when making education choices.
Choo Sung Hoon’s YouTube channel continues to document his family life. Fans appreciate his honesty about parenting challenges. The recent video about school selection has sparked discussions about racism and education costs globally.
“Happy birthday, my daughter. I love you, Sa Rang,” Choo once wrote in an Instagram post for her eighth birthday. His affectionate messages show how much he values family over fame or status.
