Sang-U Choi is a prominent character in the webtoon Maybe Meant to Be. He is a 29-year-old programmer working as the Lead of Development Team 3, an established IT company. While he excels in his professional career, Sang-U is better known among his colleagues for his social skills and tendency to act as a "matchmaker" in the office, despite his lack of romantic experience.
Having three older sisters has made Sang-U extremely attuned to women’s perspectives, which has earned him the reputation of a relationship expert, even though he has never been in a serious relationship himself. He is often seen advising his colleagues on their romantic troubles, though he still remains single.
Despite his social acumen, Sang-U struggles with being constantly perceived as an expert on relationships. His interactions with Mincheol Jin are a significant part of his life, and he plays a pivotal role in helping his friend navigate personal and romantic dilemmas.
Personality[]
Sang-U is charismatic and socially adept, traits that make him a natural at connecting people within his office. He often organizes group activities, such as lunch outings and office events, to bring his colleagues closer together. This makes him a central figure in the office's social life. He’s particularly skilled at keeping things lighthearted and offering advice, but his own personal life remains a mystery, despite his many attempts to offer relationship guidance.
Despite his outward confidence, Sang-U harbors a sense of frustration with his own love life. He has a tendency to give romantic advice to others but struggles with his own feelings and relationships. His relationships with women are largely shaped by the influence of his older sisters, who have been a big part of his upbringing. As a result, he has become somewhat self-conscious of his own romantic failures, leading him to seek validation from others instead of pursuing a meaningful relationship for himself.
Sang-U is also a smoker, and he often uses smoking as a way to clear his mind or during conversations with his close friends, particularly Mincheol. His calm demeanor in social situations hides a more complex emotional world, which he often conceals behind his "relationship guru" persona.
Appearance[]
Sang-U has an average build with black hair and brown eyes. His appearance is mostly unremarkable, as he keeps his look casual and comfortable. He is often seen wearing simple clothes, usually paired with glasses, which complement his professional yet laid-back attitude. Sang-U’s style is practical, prioritizing comfort over fashion, and he doesn’t stand out for his physical traits, making him relatable to many of his colleagues.
Although his looks might not be striking, Sang-U’s friendly and approachable demeanor makes him popular among his co-workers. His casual style and friendly personality allow him to blend in easily, but he stands out in the office due to his role as the social glue that connects people.
Relationships[]
Sang-U’s relationships in the office and beyond are key to his character development.
- Mincheol Jin: As a close colleague, Sang-U and Mincheol share a strong friendship, built on mutual respect and camaraderie. Mincheol often relies on Sang-U for advice, both in his personal life and in navigating work-related challenges. Despite their differences in personality, the two maintain a close bond, and Sang-U is often the one to lend a sympathetic ear to Mincheol’s romantic and professional dilemmas.
- Suyeon So: Sang-U and Suyeon So’s relationship is a significant turning point in the story. Initially, Sang-U is somewhat aloof, but after a series of events and heartfelt moments, he confesses his feelings to Suyeon So, and they begin dating. Suyeon So’s straightforward and confident personality complements Sang-U’s more reserved nature, and together they form a strong couple.
- Family: Sang-U has a particularly close relationship with his three older sisters, Yeonji, Yeonju, and an unnamed third sister. Growing up with multiple women in the household, he is highly sensitive to women’s emotions and has become adept at understanding and supporting their needs. However, despite his close familial relationships, he struggles to translate his insights into his own romantic life.
Key Moments[]
- Relationship Guru Persona: Sang-U is frequently sought after for advice on romantic matters, but it is revealed that his "expertise" is based more on his sisters’ influence than personal experience. Despite this, he carries the weight of being a self-proclaimed relationship guru.
- The Confession: Sang-U’s feelings for Suyeon So develop over time, leading to a confession of love. This marks the beginning of their relationship, showcasing Sang-U’s growth in terms of emotional vulnerability and his ability to open up to someone he cares about.
- Moment of Clarity: During a pivotal scene, Sang-U reflects on his past, his relationship with his sisters, and his own struggles with romance. This moment of introspection marks his realization that true love and connection cannot be based solely on advice and outside influence but must come from within.
Trivia[]
- Smoking Habit: Sang-U is a smoker, and this is a notable aspect of his character. He is often seen with a cigarette in hand during breaks or conversations with colleagues.
- Office Matchmaker: Sang-U has a reputation for being the office’s "matchmaker," often connecting colleagues who might have romantic interests in each other, even though he is still single.
- Bachelor's Life: Despite his success in guiding others on relationships, Sang-U remains a bachelor, which contrasts with his public persona as a relationship expert.
- Sister Complex: Growing up with three older sisters, Sang-U has a deep understanding of women’s emotions and perspectives. However, this also makes him somewhat self-conscious about dating, as he feels he can never live up to the expectations set by his sisters.
Miscellaneous[]
Sang-U’s charm and social skills make him an essential part of the story’s social dynamics. His development throughout the series focuses on his journey of self-discovery, learning that relationship advice doesn’t always translate to personal success, and that real relationships require openness and vulnerability. Despite his quirks, Sang-U is a well-loved character who shows that even the most socially confident individuals have their own struggles when it comes to love and relationships.