David Choe, born April 21, 1976, is an American artist, musician, actor, and former journalist and podcast host from Los Angeles. His work spans various urban culture and entertainment contexts.
Choe has illustrated and written for magazines such as Hustler, Ray Gun, and Vice, and maintains an ongoing relationship with the Asian pop culture website Giant Robot. His figurative paintings, known for exploring themes of desire, degradation, and exaltation, are characterized by a raw, frenetic technique he calls “dirty style.”
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David Choe’s Net Worth
Born on April 21, 1976, David Choe is a multifaceted talent. An American artist, musician, actor, former journalist, and podcast host hailing from Los Angeles, his work is evident in various sectors of urban culture and entertainment. Choe’s unique “dirty style” of art has gained him significant recognition and fanfare.
Early Life
David Choe has contributed to various charities, including raising funds for Wyclef Jean’s Yle Haiti and painting with at-risk children through The LIDÈ Haiti Foundation, established by Rainn Wilson and his wife, Holiday Reinhorn.
In the early 2000s, Choe spent three months in a Tokyo prison after an altercation with an undercover security guard, creating over 600 drawings during his incarceration.
In 2014, he sparked controversy by describing “rapey behavior” on his podcast, later claiming it was fictional. In 2017, protests erupted over his commission to paint the Bowery Mural Wall, prompting Choe to apologize for his comments.
Career
David Choe’s graffiti led to a brief prison stint, after which he moved in with his parents and began writing and illustrating for magazines like “Vice.” He appeared in the “Vice” web series “Thumbs Up!” and became involved with “Giant Robot.”
When art galleries showed little interest in his work, he exhibited in an ice cream shop. In 2006, he self-published the graphic novel “Slow Jams.” Filmed by Harry Kim for over a decade, Choe’s life was documented in “Dirty Hands: The Art and Crimes of David Choe.” He held solo exhibitions in New York, the U.K., and Mexico City.
Personal life
David Choe has supported several charities, including raising funds for Wyclef Jean’s Yle Haiti and working with at-risk children through The LIDÈ Haiti Foundation. In the early 2000s, Choe spent three months in a Tokyo prison after an altercation with an undercover security guard. During his imprisonment, he created over 600 drawings using the only pen allowed in his cell.
In 2014, Choe sparked controversy by describing “rapey behavior” on his podcast, later claiming it was fictional. Protests arose in 2017 when he was commissioned for the Bowery Mural Wall. Choe apologized, stating he has no history of sexual assault.
How Much Was David Choe’s Facebook Stock Worth?
Choe’s intuitive decision to accept stock over cash for his work at Facebook skyrocketed his wealth. By 2012, the stock he received was worth over a staggering $200 million.
Conclusion
David Choe’s journey from the streets of Koreatown to the pinnacle of modern art is nothing short of inspirational. His story is a testament to the power of passion, intuition, and perseverance, proving that art, when coupled with smart choices, can lead to monumental success.
FAQs about David Choe’s Net Worth
- Who is David Choe?
- An American artist, musician, actor, and former journalist known for his “dirty style” of art.
- How did David Choe become associated with Facebook?
- He painted murals in Facebook’s office and chose company stock over cash payment.
- How much was David Choe’s Facebook stock worth in 2012?
- The stock was valued at over $200 million.
- What is David Choe’s net worth as of March 2023?
- David Choe has a net worth of $300 million.
- Why is David Choe renowned in the graffiti world?
- Choe is recognized for his figure paintings and his association with the iconic bucktoothed whale in graffiti art.
