YouTube creator Michelle Choi, known for her calming Living Alone Diaries, honest mental-health reflections, and her fashion line Little Puffy, has built a community of over 2.3 million YouTube subscribers and more than 650,000 Instagram followers. Her audience follows her for authenticity, comfort, and thoughtful storytelling — which is why her relationship news always sparks conversation.
In July 2025, Michelle shared one of the biggest updates of her life: she is engaged. Fans have been eager to understand her love story with Joey Kiho Kim, a doctor and part-time model, as well as how this new chapter fits into the larger arc of her personal journey.
Below is a full breakdown of Michelle’s relationship history, her engagement, and why this milestone resonates so deeply with long-time viewers.
Who Is Michelle Choi Dating Now?
Michelle Choi is engaged to Joey Kiho Kim, as announced in July 2025 through a YouTube vlog and matching Instagram post.
Michelle and Joey began dating in 2022, shortly after her breakup with her previous boyfriend, Ivan Hui. Their engagement happened during a spring 2025 trip to France, but Michelle chose to keep the news private for roughly six weeks before sharing it online.
The Proposal at the Palace of Versailles
Michelle revealed that:
- The proposal took place at a quiet fountain inside Versailles.
- The day was chaotic — crowded, hot, and filled with changed plans.
- Despite everything, Joey managed to create a private, emotional moment.
- Michelle suspected a proposal might be coming but didn’t know when.
In her vlog, she refers to Joey affectionately as “Salsman,” and described him becoming visibly emotional as he proposed — a moment that won over fans immediately.
Michelle Choi’s Relationship History
Her Past Relationship with Ivan Hui
Long-time viewers remember Michelle’s relationship with Ivan Hui, a Korean boyfriend who appeared naturally and frequently in her earlier vlogs.
Key details include:
- They met while Michelle was living in Korea.
- Their relationship gained popularity on her channel due to their easy rapport.
- Ivan returned to Korea for mandatory military service, making things long-distance.
- The couple broke up in early 2022, with Michelle choosing to refocus on her personal growth and creative career.
Many fans grew attached to Ivan because of his warm, understated presence. Their breakup marked a transition in Michelle’s public storytelling, prompting her to show less of her dating life going forward.
Michelle and Joey Kiho Kim: A Different Kind of Relationship
After her split from Ivan, Michelle began seeing Joey Kiho Kim in 2022. At first:
- His face was blurred in videos.
- He appeared only briefly in TikTok clips or behind-the-scenes footage.
- Fans referred to him as her “mystery boyfriend” for months.
By August 2023, Michelle confirmed their relationship more openly. Joey appeared (still selectively) in:
- Salsa classes
- Little Puffy pop-up events
- Vacation and travel content
- Lifestyle vlogs filmed in New York City
Their dynamic felt different from Michelle and Ivan’s — more private, curated, and mature, reflecting Michelle’s evolving boundaries as her audience grew.
Their engagement in 2025 marks a natural progression in a relationship that Michelle has intentionally kept partly off-camera.
Why Michelle’s Love Life Draws So Much Attention
Michelle is one of the most relatable lifestyle vloggers online. Her videos feel like quiet conversations with a friend over tea. Because she shares:
- her daily routines
- her struggles
- her therapy journey
- her family stories
- her vulnerability
her viewers feel deeply connected to her.
This is why every relationship update draws emotional reactions.
Reactions to Joey were mixed at first — some fans preferred Ivan’s familiar presence, while others appreciated the joy and stability Joey brought into Michelle’s life. Her 2025 engagement announcement unified the audience, with overwhelming support from viewers celebrating such a meaningful milestone.
Michelle’s Life Beyond Dating
Michelle’s identity is much bigger than her relationships.
YouTube Career
Her Living Alone Diaries series made her a global comfort creator, blending:
- mental health commentary
- gentle productivity
- NYC routines
- cozy aesthetics
- wellness and skincare content
Little Puffy
Launched in 2021, her clothing brand became an instant hit for its:
- whimsical designs
- soft color palettes
- thoughtful packaging
Michelle has used profits from Little Puffy to support causes like Black Lives Matter, reflecting her values beyond fashion.
Family and Cultural Roots
Michelle is a Korean-American creator born in Seoul (October 3, 1994).
She grew up in California and Houston, sharing openly about:
- Her family’s struggling dry-cleaning business
- Supporting her parents financially
- Her bond with her younger brother
- Her mixed identity growing up between cultures
She also studied at:
- Jin-Seon Girls’ High School (Seoul)
- Chelsea College of Art and Design (London)
Her background gives her content a grounded, global perspective.
How Fans Reacted to the Engagement
The engagement reveal in July 2025 was met with:
- relief from long-time followers
- excitement over Michelle’s happiness
- admiration for the romantic Versailles setting
Her community appreciated that she:
- kept the moment private first
- shared it on her own terms
- balanced the joyful announcement with thoughtful reflections on therapy and family responsibilities
This authenticity remains the core of her appeal.
Michelle Choi Today: Creator, Partner, Daughter, Designer
By 2025, Michelle continues to evolve as a creator:
- Collaborating with brands like Everlane and Crocs
- Growing Little Puffy
- Posting travel vlogs and lifestyle routines
- Sharing her mental health journey
- Navigating life as a daughter to aging parents
Her estimated net worth — between $1.5 million and $5 million — reflects a decade of consistent, values-driven work.
Conclusion
Michelle Choi’s engagement to Joey Kiho Kim in 2025 marks a beautiful new chapter in her life. Her journey — from her relationship with Ivan Hui, to personal growth, to finding a deep and meaningful partnership with Joey — reflects the grace and honesty that define her work.
Fans continue to support her not just for her romantic milestones but for her creativity, cultural depth, emotional transparency, and the comforting space she creates online.
As Michelle begins this new phase, her global community celebrates both her love story and the thoughtful, steady growth that brought her here.