Gripping a New York City scaffolding pole, CHANGJO pulled himself upward, mimicking the impromptu street workouts he had seen New Yorkers perform on television and social media. The moment felt especially fitting after witnessing revelers climb lampposts across the city following the New York Knicks’ historic playoff run.
At first glance, CHANGJO looked like any other New Yorker embracing the city’s energy. But the South Korean idol had arrived in the Big Apple during a season of celebration surrounding both the NBA Finals and the FIFA Club World Cup, returning to a city he last performed in 16 years ago with TEEN TOP.
Born Choi Jong-hyun but known globally as CHANGJO, the veteran performer returned to reconnect with fans after years away from international them. On Sunday, he joined The Shops at Skyview’s award-winning Skyview High summer program as the special guest for its Opening Assembly.
“From this event, I hope I can see the big picture. For a long time, I couldn’t meet my fans, but now it’s kind of a starting point,” CHANGJO told amNewYork. “I can plan better, plan with the members [of TEEN TOP] as well, and I want to show how much we’ve grown during our time away.”
CHANGJOPhoto by Amanda Moses
Ahead of his fan meeting, amNewYork spoke with CHANGJO about his legacy, his journey through the K-pop industry, and his hopes for building deeper connections with international fans.
A singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, CHANGJO debuted with TEEN TOP in 2010 at just 14 years old, serving as the group’s maknae, which is the Korean term for the youngest member of a group. Because he entered the entertainment industry so young, many traditional childhood experiences, including a typical school life, passed him by.
That made his participation in Skyview High especially meaningful because the event combines fan engagement with cultural awareness initiatives while raising funds for The River Fund and collecting school supplies for local students.
“I’ve never shared this before, it’s my first time telling this, but my household environment growing up was not very good,” CHANGJO admitted. “At a young age, I felt responsible for making money, even while I was in elementary school. I thought about how I could earn money while doing something I loved. I’ve always been drawn to dancing and singing, so naturally I went into entertainment. Along the journey, many people helped support me, and that’s why I was able to make it.”
Building a career in K-pop during the industry’s rapid global expansion was no easy task. Sustaining success for more than a decade is even harder, and over the years, CHANGJO’s definition of success has evolved.
CHANGJO made Vietnamese spring rolls and fed it to fans.Photo by Amanda Moses
While he acknowledges that the K-pop training system often emphasizes appearance and public image, he now values something far more important: meaningful connections with fans.
“Some entertainers say you have to restrict food and dieting, and [they warn you] not to walk around because you’re famous,” he said. “That kind of thing doesn’t bother me. The hardest part is wanting to spend time with fans and meet them, but not being able to because of schedules and policies. There are so many rules. I just want to share time with my fans, but sometimes I have to wait. That’s the most challenging thing.”
Although he believes conditions have improved since his early days in the industry, CHANGJO says there is still room for growth.
“It’s much better than before, but I think more needs to change and develop in a positive way,” he said.
For those unfamiliar with him, CHANGJO hopes they understand that authenticity lies at the heart of everything he does.
“I want to empathize with people. I’m just a normal person,” CHANGJO said. “I’m not thinking of myself as a celebrity, I’m just Choi Jong-hyun. I always want to show my real personality and my real self. Sometimes I get inspired by fans, and I learn a lot from them. I feel like we’re all the same. We’re all human beings.”
CHANGJOPhoto by Amanda Moses
His time in Queens meant so much more to him than a promotional appearance; it served as a reconnection to parts of his childhood he never fully experienced, while also rekindling relationships with his New York-based fans.
“Compared to before, now I’m more relaxed,” he said. “My schedule isn’t so crazy anymore. I can take my time and really see what’s around me. Before, I was too busy to notice anything. Now I can see the place, the people, and truly meet each fan instead of rushing through everything.”
When CHANGJO descended the escalator in a classic black-and-white suit, the crowd erupted. Fans screamed and waved as he smiled brightly and greeted them, making the opening assembly into an intimate reunion between the artist and his supporters.
This year’s Summer High theme, “Our School Memories,” transports visitors back to 2010, the year TEEN TOP debuted. Running through July 23, the program features live performances, fan interactions, school-themed activities, and nostalgic experiences. The event, which earned a Global Marketing Gold Award from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), transforms the Flushing shopping destination into a campus-inspired celebration of Asian culture through music, fashion, food, wellness, art, and community programming.
CHANGJO with a fan.Photo by Amanda Moses
For more than three hours, CHANGJO immersed himself in the festivities. He sang, danced, participated in student-themed role-playing activities, shared skincare tips, discussed homemade vegan Asian dishes, contributed to art projects, and judged attendees’ school-inspired fashion looks. He also took selfies and greeted fans individually whenever possible.
Yet even amid the excitement, he couldn’t help but imagine returning with his TEEN TOP bandmates.
“Back then, I came here with the members, and now I’m here solo,” he said. “It’s a little different because there’s no chatting and no noise from the members. Before coming here, I met with them and told them I would do my best to make a good plan so we can visit again together. I hope next time we can come back as a group and perform a concert.”
Just after its first day, Skyview High’s impact extends beyond fan experiences. Ticket sales and donations amounted to $2,000, which will benefit The River Fund’s educational programs. Throughout the program’s run, organizers will also collect school supplies for students across Queens, ensuring the celebration leaves a lasting impact on the community.