Michelle Choi Boyfriend Timeline 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Michelle Choi remains one of YouTube’s most beloved lifestyle creators. She is known for her Living Alone Diaries, cozy NYC vlogs, Korean skincare routines, and her growing brand Little Puffy. Millions of fans watch her weekly not just for aesthetic home tours and beauty hauls, but also for the quiet glimpses into her personal growth, including her romantic journey. For years, her relationship status has been the most commented topic under every upload.
MICHELLE CHOI: 2026 STATUS
| Current Status | Engaged (Since June 2025) |
| Fiancé | Joey Kiho Kim |
| Engagement Spot | Palace of Versailles, Paris |
| April 2026 Update | Active Wedding Planning & Tuxedo Shopping |
| Past Relationships | Ivan Lui, Hanlee |
| Brand | Little Puffy |
As of April 2026, Michelle is engaged to Joey Kiho Kim, a New York-based radiation oncologist and former model. The couple got engaged in 2025 and they are now busy with wedding planning. She has not gotten married yet. Some older articles wrongly said she was already married in early 2026, but her latest videos from March and April 2026 clearly show she is still in the bride-to-be phase.
The Early Days: Hanlee and the Hong Kong Chapter (Pre-2019)
Before Michelle became the polished NYC influencer we know today, she was documenting her 20s in Seoul, South Korea. In her early Korea vlogs (2017–2018), she openly shared the struggles of young adulthood career pressure, homesickness, and the emotional weight of her first serious relationship with Hanlee.
Correction that still confuses many fans: Hanlee was not Indonesian. He was from Hong Kong. The couple spent time together in Seoul and made a few trips to the U.S., but the relationship turned long-distance once Hanlee returned to Hong Kong. Michelle frequently talked about the toll of video calls across time zones while she was grinding to grow her YouTube channel.
By late 2018, as she prepared for her permanent move to New York City, they mutually decided to part ways. That breakup became a turning point Michelle chose to focus 100% on her independence in the Big Apple. Fans still rewatch those raw “moving to NYC” vlogs where she reflects on closing that chapter with grace.
The Ivan Lui Era: Nostalgic NYC Beginnings (2019–Early 2022)
Michelle landed in New York in 2019 and quickly met Ivan Lui. For longtime subscribers, the “Ivan Era” feels like pure nostalgia. He helped her move into her first tiny Manhattan apartment, appeared in countless “day in the life” vlogs, and was a steady presence during her early brand-building days with Little Puffy.
The split in early 2022 was gentle but inevitable. As Michelle’s career exploded global brand deals, product launches, and a highly public digital life she needed a partner who could match that energy and vision. Ivan preferred a more low-key, independent lifestyle.
The couple grew in different directions. In her breakup reflection videos (subtle but emotional), Michelle shared that she learned exactly what she wanted long-term: someone with their own successful career who was also comfortable stepping into her world without hesitation.
The Blurry Salsa Man Era: Joey Kiho Kim Arrives (Early 2022–Present)
Right after the Ivan chapter closed, a mysterious man with a blurred face started appearing in Michelle’s vlogs. Fans instantly nicknamed him “Blurry Salsa Man” (BSM) after a fun dancing clip where his salsa moves stole the show.
We now know everything: His full name is Joey Kiho Kim. He’s a practicing radiation oncologist in New York with a previous successful modeling career (which explains the sharp jawline and presence fans noticed even when blurred). Joey deliberately stayed blurred for over two years to protect his medical reputation and let the relationship grow privately away from internet pressure.
How they actually met (fan-verified details): Joey and Michelle already moved in the same NYC Asian-American creative/medical social circle. He was close friends with content creator Freesia’s boyfriend at the time. Michelle had even liked and left heart-eye emojis on his old Instagram thirst traps before they officially dated.
Their first blurred appearances started in early 2022 literally weeks after Ivan. Joey’s voice was never fully hidden, and sharp-eyed fans matched it to an old modeling interview clip.
By 2023–2024, Joey became a quiet but consistent support system. He joined her on trips (Jeju Island Korea vlog where he filmed “K-drama fantasies”), helped with Little Puffy events behind the scenes, and was often seen cooking Korean meals or doing homebody NYC days with her. Fans love how grounded and low-drama he is compared to the spotlight.
The Fairy-Tale Proposal at Palace of Versailles (Mid-June 2025)
On July 31, 2025, Michelle dropped the emotional vlog “Homebody in New York | We’re Engaged! The Proposal, asking parents for blessing, engagement gifts!” (still one of her most-watched recent uploads).
Key details straight from her mouth:
- They had known an engagement was coming sometime in 2025 “just a matter of when.”
- Proposal happened during a Paris trip (about 1.5 months before the announcement).
- They planned a day trip to Palace of Versailles. On the ride there, Michelle sensed Joey getting nervous.
- 15 minutes before arrival, the original private spot was closed for an event. They improvised and found a beautiful, secluded fountain.
- Joey got emotional and cried during the proposal. Michelle says she “blacked out” from the shock and doesn’t remember his exact words.
- Most touching part for fans: Joey had already asked Michelle’s parents for their blessing beforehand a respectful gesture that had the comment section in tears.
She showed the ring, engagement gifts, and the Paris trip footage. The internet lost it.
Full Wedding Planning Mode – 2026 Bridal Era
Michelle is now fully in “2026 bride” mode, and she’s sharing the process beautifully:
- March 10, 2026 vlog – “Homebody in New York | Bridesmaids proposals & gifts”: She hand-wrote personal cards on a flight from Milan, prepared cute Anthropologie boxes with Korean makeup (bridal highlighter, skinny mascara, eyelash fibers, perfumes). She proposed to her closest friends, including maid of honor Kristen. One friend couldn’t make it due to illness, so it was done separately. Michelle cried talking about how therapy helped her become more open-hearted and confident she once never imagined having a big bridal party.
- She visited Sophie Ratner to pick pear-shaped diamond wedding jewelry.
- April 16, 2026 (just 2 days ago) – “Homebody in New York | An introvert’s ideal way to destress by eating alone, tuxedo shopping!”: First official joint wedding errand! Michelle and Joey went tuxedo shopping at Burgdor (done in under an hour after lunch at Fish Cheeks). Then they stopped at Tiffany’s to engrave their rings (purchased in Tokyo earlier but not engraved yet). She called it “our first wedding shopping day.”
Other bridal touches fans have spotted:
- Ongoing “bridal skin prep” with SK-II (September 2025 Instagram reel still relevant).
- Frequent therapy mentions (she partners with BetterHelp) she credits it with turning small arguments into healthy conversations.
- Content evolution: From “Living Alone Diaries” to “building a shared future” while keeping her signature cozy, solo-date energy.
Joey has fully integrated into her world supporting Little Puffy launches, traveling together, and appearing unblurred in more recent clips. Fans say he brings calm, professional stability that perfectly balances Michelle’s creative chaos.
| Partner | Time Period | Key Milestones | Status / Reason for Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanlee | Pre-2019 | Featured in Korea vlogs; managed long-distance from Hong Kong. | Mutual split before NYC move (late 2018) |
| Ivan Lui | 2019 – Early 2022 | Constant presence in early NYC vlogs; helped with first apartment. | Grew in different directions (career vs lifestyle) |
| Joey Kiho Kim | Early 2022 – Present | “Blurry Salsa Man” debut; Engaged at Versailles (June 2025). | Engaged & actively planning 2026 wedding |
Why This Chapter Feels Different (And Why Fans Are Obsessed)
Michelle has always been honest about her growth. Past relationships taught her what she needed: emotional maturity, shared values, and someone who respects both her public brand and private peace. Joey checks every box successful in his own right, understands the creative world from his modeling days, and gives her space while showing up fully.
Her content in 2026 feels warmer and more settled. The “alone girl in NYC” era has naturally evolved into “homebody building a life with my person” without losing the introspective, self-care focus that made her famous.
No scandals, no drama, no breakup rumors. Just two adults in their late 20s/early 30s doing the relationship thing right therapy, communication, respect for each other’s careers, and cute wedding errands mixed with solo cucumber kimchi cooking sessions.
Michelle Choi: 2026 Bridal Era FAQs
Is Michelle Choi already married as of April 18, 2026?
What is Joey Kiho Kim’s profession?
Was Michelle Choi’s ex-boyfriend Hanlee from Indonesia?
How many bridesmaids does Michelle Choi have in 2026?
Where did Joey propose to Michelle Choi?
What’s Next?
As of today (April 18, 2026), no wedding date has been publicly announced. Michelle is still calling herself a “bride-to-be” and sharing the process in real time. Fans expect more vlogs on dress shopping, venue tours, and possibly honeymoon planning soon.
Michelle Choi’s love story is the perfect example of patience and growth. From long-distance heartbreak in Seoul to a Versailles proposal and now tuxedo shopping in Manhattan she’s showing her community that the right person arrives exactly when you’re ready to receive them.
Stay tuned to @michellechoii on YouTube and Instagram for the next chapter. This 2026 bride era is just getting started, and we’re all invited to watch.
