Yulee Choi, the acclaimed Korean singer-songwriter and founder of SRP Entertainment, has ventured into the world of acting with her debut role in the Thai family comedy 'Food Truck: Stolen Love...and Moo Deng'. The film not only marks Choi's first foray into the cinematic realm but also introduces the internet sensation, Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo born in 2024, to the big screen. Choi's decision to embrace acting stems from her passion for learning, a journey facilitated by her proficiency in Thai, a subject she majored in during her university years. This linguistic skill proved instrumental in securing her role alongside esteemed Thai actor Mario Maurer, comedian Jack Fanchan, and rapper-actor Padung Songsang. Furthermore, Choi's song, 'After the Rain,' a poignant track about overcoming adversity, is prominently featured in the film, resonating deeply with the movie's emotional narrative and her personal life experiences as a single mother. Despite not sharing scenes with the adorable hippo, Choi expressed admiration for Moo Deng's on-screen charm. She also shared anecdotes about the challenges of filming in Thailand's unpredictable weather and lauded the professionalism of her young co-stars, expressing a keen interest in pursuing more acting opportunities in the future amidst her flourishing music career.
Singer Yulee Choi Embarks on New Journey with Thai Family Comedy Film
In a recent Variety Screening Series event on January 19, 2026, Korean singer-songwriter Yulee Choi unveiled the exciting details of her acting debut in the heartwarming Thai family comedy, 'Food Truck: Stolen Love...and Moo Deng.' Choi, known for her musical prowess and as the head of SRP Entertainment, candidly expressed her motivation, stating, "I love to learn." Her unexpected talent for the Thai language, cultivated during her university studies, caught the attention of the film's producers, who eagerly invited her to join the cast. The film boasts a stellar lineup, including popular Thai actor Mario Maurer, renowned comedian Jack Fanchan, and multi-talented rapper-actor Padung Songsang.
Adding another layer of intrigue, the movie introduces the world to Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo who captured global attention upon its birth in 2024, making its feature film debut. Choi's hit song, 'After the Rain,' released last year, seamlessly integrates into the film's narrative, lending an emotional depth that Choi explains, "connects a lot with my real life experiences as well." The song's theme of resilience and overcoming obstacles mirrors the film's message, as Choi elaborates, "when the rain starts falling, the sky becomes clean and beautiful, so life is the same way."
In the action-comedy, Choi portrays an actress balancing her career with motherhood on location. Her character's son, suspecting a connection to his biological father within the production team, embarks on an adventure by stowing away in the film's catering truck. This leads the crew on an unexpected detour to Moo Deng's zoo, where the diminutive hippo charmingly becomes a stowaway itself. Despite her on-screen character's proximity to the adorable animal, Choi regrettably revealed, "Unfortunately, I haven’t seen the real Moo Deng in person." However, she added, "But seeing the film, I can feel how cute and charming Moo Deng is." Choi also drew parallels between her character's journey and her own experiences as a single mother, noting, "That experience made me understand the character’s emotions and feel it more deeply." She praised the professionalism of her young co-stars, finding the experience delightful, though she humorously recalled the challenges posed by Thailand's unpredictable weather, often praying for clear skies before shoots. Looking ahead, Choi expressed her eagerness for future acting endeavors, affirming, "Whenever I have an opportunity, I would love to."
This venture into acting by a celebrated musician highlights the expanding horizons for artists to explore diverse creative outlets. Choi's ability to connect her personal life and musical artistry to her acting role offers a compelling dimension to the film. It also underscores the global nature of entertainment, bringing together talents from different cultures to create unique and engaging stories. The integration of a viral animal sensation further illustrates how contemporary narratives can incorporate unexpected elements to captivate audiences worldwide.
