Janet Choi

On-air, Janet Choi keeps her cool and projects confidence and grace. “Cut, that’s a wrap,” says the cameraman of Channel One Network. The camera is off and Choi is no longer in front of the public eye. This was not always the case. The camera was once a constant presence for the former cast member of MTV’s The Real World in Seattle. Three years have past, and the Northwestern University graduate juggles on-air and off-air life as an anchor/correspondent of Channel One – a network that provides educational programs for America’s secondary schools. Prior to her stints in front of the television, Choi has worked on KNDD, an alternative rock radio station, reviewed music for popular magazines such as Spin, and traveled and studied abroad. After The Real World, she has spoken publicly in university and conference circuits on diversity and multiculturalism. Amidst her busy schedule, AsianWeek had the opportunity to squeeze in a brief interview.

Asian Week: What was your first job?

Janet Choi: In high school, I worked at a bookstore. I hated retail. There’s something about selling things people really don’t want.

AW: When was the first time you were in front of the public eye?

JC: I went with a bunch of friends to the Jenny Jones Show. They were giving make-overs. It was “daughters who didn’t like the way their mothers looked.” My friends and I were in the audience and I got to ask a question. I can’t remember the question, but it was something really stupid to the point where the entire audience booed me [after I asked it].

AW: As a former DJ, who is your favorite artist on the radio?

JC: I like the new Death Punk album, Moby and Dido. I was a DJ for alternative music but I don’t have a specialty – I worked at Spin and it all surrounds pop culture. We covered alternative, hip-hop, blues and folk music.

AW: What was your first reaction when T.V. Guide named you the favorite cast member and the sexiest on The Real World?

JC: I just laughed. I don’t know how they poll those things. It’s funny because most of the time I was on the show I was in my pajamas. It was flattering though.

AW: Is it hard to live down The Real World?

JC: After the show, you get offered a lot of things, like movie parts. It bothers me when people associate me with the person I was three years ago. When you’re in journalism, it’s really difficult to re-build your credibility.

AW: Do you have any pet peeves?

JC: I hate people who drive slowly.

AW: How do you maintain your energy to do so many projects?

JC: I run and drink caffeine. I’ll drink four shots of espresso in the morning and a latte during the day. I’m also a workaholic. I always need to be busy or I get really bored easily.

AW: How do you relax after a busy day?

JC: I’ll go back to my apartment and I really like to crash on my couch, hang out with a few friends, read a good book or play some mellow music. I listen to a lot of jazz, old school blues like Nina Simone, Charlie Parker, Otis Redding.

AW: Do you have a philosophy about your career?

JC: It’s just “back it up.” You can’t simply be a pretty face, a brain, have a strong voice or be in front of the camera.