Michelle Choi Boyfriend: Engaged to Joey Kiho Kim in 2025
The radiant YouTuber behind Living Alone Diaries, Michelle Choi, has enchanted millions with her New York City lifestyle, mental health insights, and her fashion brand, Little Puffy. Boasting over 2.3 million YouTube subscribers and 650,000 Instagram followers, she’s a beacon of authenticity in the digital world.
Fans are buzzing about her relationship status, especially following her heartfelt announcement of her engagement. Let’s dive into Michelle’s romantic journey with warmth and curiosity, weaving in her past relationships with Ivan Hui and Joey Kiho Kim, while celebrating her latest milestone.
Who Is Michelle Choi Dating Now?
Michelle Choi is engaged to Joey Kiho Kim, a doctor and part-time model, as announced in her July 2025 YouTube vlog and Instagram post. The couple, who began dating in 2022 after Michelle’s breakup with Ivan Hui, got engaged about a month and a half before the announcement, during a trip to Paris.
The proposal took place at the Palace of Versailles, in a secluded fountain area, despite a chaotic day with crowds and a last-minute change in plans. Michelle shared that Joey, whom she affectionately calls “Salsman” in the vlog, was visibly emotional during the proposal, making the moment deeply special.
While Michelle had an inkling it might happen, the exact timing was a surprise, adding to the joy of the occasion. Their engagement marks a new chapter, and fans can catch glimpses of their journey on her YouTube channel.
A Look Back at Michelle’s Romantic Past
Born on October 3, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in California, Michelle has shared her life’s highs and lows through her YouTube channel, launched in 2012. Her content, blending wellness, beauty, and vlogs, feels like a conversation with a friend, but she’s selective about her romantic disclosures.
One of her most public relationships was with Ivan Hui, a Korean national who appeared in her videos, charming fans with his warm presence. Their romance, which started in Korea, faced challenges when Ivan returned for mandatory military service, leading to a long-distance period. By early 2022, they parted ways, focusing instead on her career and personal growth.
Transition to Joey Kiho Kim
Post-breakup with Ivan, Michelle began dating Joey Kiho Kim in 2022. Joey, a doctor with a flair for modeling, entered her content subtly, often with his face blurred to preserve privacy. Fans first noticed him in TikTok clips and YouTube vlogs, like those from her Little Puffy pop-up events.
By August 2023, their relationship was confirmed, with Joey joining Michelle in activities like salsa dancing and travels. Unlike Ivan’s unfiltered cameos, Joey’s appearances were more curated, reflecting Michelle’s evolving approach to sharing her personal life.
Their chemistry, though different, resonated with many fans, culminating in their engagement, which Michelle described as a surreal milestone in her July 2025 vlog.
Why Fans Care So Much
Michelle’s relatability fuels her fans’ curiosity about her love life. Her Living Alone Diaries series, showcasing cozy NYC moments with her dog Dobby or fashion hauls, creates a bond that makes viewers feel invested. Ivan Hui’s frequent appearances set a precedent for fans expecting romantic updates, so when Joey appeared, the shift sparked discussions.
Some fans adored Joey’s vibrant energy, while others missed Ivan’s laid-back vibe. Michelle’s engagement announcement in 2025, shared with a dreamy Paris backdrop, amplified excitement, as fans celebrated her happiness.
Michelle’s World Beyond Love
While her engagement is a highlight, Michelle’s life is a tapestry of achievements. Her YouTube channel thrives on authentic content, from mental health talks to skincare routines, resonating with viewers navigating young adulthood.
Little Puffy, her fashion brand launched in 2021, showcases her creativity with quirky, stylish pieces. She’s also used her platform for impact, donating Little Puffy proceeds to Black Lives Matter initiatives, reflecting her commitment to social good. Her travels, like a poignant 2023 trip to South Korea with her mother, reveal her family-oriented side, adding depth to her story.
In her latest vlog, she shared how therapy, sponsored by BetterHelp, helps her navigate her role as a daughter to aging parents, underscoring her openness about personal growth.
Cultural Roots and Family Ties
Michelle’s Korean-American identity shapes her narrative. Raised in Houston after moving from Seoul, she’s shared her family’s struggles, like their dry-cleaning business challenges in 2021, which she supported through her YouTube and Little Puffy earnings.
Her bond with her parents and younger brother, whose 2017 graduation she celebrated, shines in her vlogs. Her education at Jin-Seon Girls’ High School in Seoul and Chelsea College of Art and Design in London, plus an internship in Seoul, informs her global perspective, evident in her thoughtful content. This cultural blend likely influences her approach to love, balancing independence with values.
Fan Perspectives on Her Relationships
Michelle’s audience is vocal about her love life, reflecting their deep connection to her. Ivan Hui’s genuine presence in videos won hearts, with fans loving their playful dynamic. Joey Kiho Kim’s arrival sparked varied reactions—some embraced his ambition as a doctor and model, while others felt his curated appearances lacked Ivan’s authenticity.
The engagement announcement in July 2025, detailed in her YouTube vlog and Instagram post, united fans in celebration, with comments praising the romantic Versailles proposal. These discussions highlight Michelle’s impact.
Michelle’s Evolution as a Creator
From her YouTube debut in 2012 to her 2025 engagement, Michelle has grown into a digital powerhouse. Her Living Alone Diaries series, which gained traction in 2017, captures life’s nuances, from cozy NYC nights to brand collaborations with Crocs and Everlane.
Her Instagram, with over 650,000 followers, showcases her modeling and fashion sense, solidifying her as a trendsetter. Her estimated net worth, between $1.5 million and $5 million in 2023, reflects her success through YouTube ads, sponsorships, and Little Puffy.
Her July 2025 vlog, blending the engagement reveal with therapy insights, shows her ability to weave personal milestones with relatable content, keeping fans engaged.
The Impact of Her Engagement
Michelle’s engagement to Joey Kiho Kim is more than a personal milestone—it’s a moment her fans feel part of, thanks to her storytelling. The Paris proposal, set against the Palace of Versailles, was a cinematic highlight, shared with vulnerability in her vlog.
By waiting to announce it, Michelle ensured the moment was hers and Joey’s first, a choice that resonates with her approach to authenticity. Her openness about therapy in the same vlog, discussing her role with her aging parents, adds depth, showing how love and family intertwine in her life. This balance of joy and reflection cements her as a creator who inspires through both celebration and introspection.
Conclusion
Michelle Choi’s journey to engagement with Joey Kiho Kim in 2025 is a beautiful chapter in her vibrant story. From her past with Ivan Hui to her current love, she’s navigated relationships with grace, sharing just enough to keep fans connected while honoring her boundaries.
Her Living Alone Diaries, Little Puffy, and cultural roots make her a multifaceted creator whose influence extends beyond romance. As we celebrate her engagement, let’s continue supporting her by engaging with her YouTube and Instagram content and cheering her on as she steps into this new phase. Here’s to Michelle and Joey’s love story, and to the many more moments she’ll share with her global community!
