Choe was born in a poor family in Sakju County on May 25, Juche 25 (1936) and forced to do colonial slave labor from his early years. He realized how dear the country was to him, while having ample opportunity of learning and enjoying a happy life in the land liberated by President Kim Il Sung. He bravely fought to defend the country after joining the People's Army and worked hard for the socialist construction.

He was arrested by enemies while struggling for the country's reunification but waged an indomitable struggle in a prison of south Korea, remaining true to the revolutionary principle for 35 years despite torture and appeasement of fascist hangmen.

Leader Kim Jong Il highly praised Choe's feats and put forward him as DPRK hero and winner of National Reunification Prize and showed all sorts of loving care so that he might enjoy happiness under the care of the country.

Kim Jong Un made sure that Choe was invited to participate in various meetings as delegates and would glorify his life as a pro-reunification patriotic fighter full of energy despite his advanced age.