Sophia Choi, a renowned American-South Korean journalist, is a prominent news anchor at WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia. Born on March 5, 1971, in Daegu, South Korea, she is 54 years old in 2025. With a net worth estimated between $1 million and $5 million, her career spans over two decades, including stints at CNN Headline News, KCBS-TV, and KVBC-TV. Her salary reportedly ranges from $40,000 to $110,500 annually. While Sophia keeps her personal life private, there is no confirmed information about her being married or dating in 2025. This article explores her biography, career, and more.
Early Life and Education: Sophia Choi’s Roots and Age
Born in Daegu, South Korea, Sophia Choi, now 54 years old, moved to the United States at age seven. Her father, a radar specialist for the U.S. government, met her mother in South Korea. After her father’s passing when she was 12, Sophia relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, where she attended Briarcrest Baptist High School. Her multicultural background, with Norwegian and Korean heritage, shaped her resilience and adaptability.
Choi pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism at the University of Missouri, where she honed her skills at the university’s KOMU-TV and KBIA radio. This early exposure to broadcasting laid the foundation for her illustrious career. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences stems from her unique upbringing, blending Eastern and Western cultural influences.
Career Journey: From Local News to National Fame
Sophia Choi’s career began at WSET-TV, an ABC affiliate in Lynchburg, Virginia, as a general assignment reporter. Her talent for storytelling quickly propelled her to WVTM-TV in Birmingham, Alabama, where she earned an Emmy Award nomination for her investigative series on child predators and secured an Associated Press Award. By 2001, she joined CNN Headline News as a primetime anchor, covering major events like Hurricane Katrina, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Hurricane Wilma.
Her versatility shone at KCBS-TV in Los Angeles, where she hosted the CBS 2 Morning Show and produced segments like Hometown Hero and Trends 2 Watch. In 2007, she anchored evening newscasts at KVBC-TV in Las Vegas, earning two Electronic Media Awards. Since joining WSB-TV in 2011, Sophia has anchored Channel 2 Action News on weekends and served as an investigative reporter. Her 2025 projects include in-depth reports on community issues, reflecting her commitment to impactful journalism.
Personal Insight: As someone who has followed Sophia’s career, her ability to transition seamlessly between local and national platforms is inspiring. Her investigative work, particularly on social issues, highlights her dedication to giving a voice to the voiceless, a trait not always emphasized in existing profiles.
Sophia Choi’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Sophia Choi’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to range between $1 million and $5 million, accumulated through her extensive journalism career and media appearances. Her salary at WSB-TV reportedly falls between $40,000 and $110,500 annually, aligning with industry standards for experienced anchors in major markets like Atlanta. Additional income from guest appearances in films like Primary Colors (1998) and The Torturer (2008) contributes to her wealth.
Original Research: A 2024 study by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) indicates that top-tier news anchors in major U.S. markets earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, supporting the reported range for Choi’s salary. Her financial success, paired with a modest lifestyle, reflects her focus on professional growth over extravagance.
Marriage and Dating Life: Is Sophia Choi Married or Dating?
Sophia Choi remains intensely private about her marriage and dating life. As of 2025, there is no confirmed information about her being married or dating. While some sources speculate about her marital status based on a 2015 interview where she mentioned cooking with her mother-in-law, no definitive evidence confirms a spouse or partner. Her social media, including Twitter (@SophiaWSB) and Instagram, focuses on professional updates and animal welfare advocacy, offering no clues about her romantic life.
Case Study: Compare Sophia’s privacy to other public figures like Anderson Cooper, who similarly shields personal details. This approach allows Choi to maintain focus on her work, avoiding media speculation that often overshadows female journalists’ professional achievements. Her discretion underscores a deliberate choice to prioritize career over public personal narratives.
Unique Contributions and Media Presence
Beyond journalism, Sophia has made notable contributions to media and culture. She appeared as a newscaster in films like Primary Colors (1998), alongside John Travolta and Emma Thompson, and Special Unit 2. In 2003, she was a marshal in the Tournament of Roses Parade, recognized as a Korean-American “hero.” Named the “Most Poised News Anchor” in a list of favorite Asian-American figures, her grace under pressure is widely admired.
Quote: “Journalism is about trust—trust in the story, the source, and the audience,” Sophia said in a 2023 WSB-TV interview, reflecting her commitment to ethical reporting. Her advocacy for animal rights, often shared on Twitter (@SophiaWSB), includes investigative work on pet industry practices, resonating with her audience.
Sophia Choi Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ida Sophia Richardson (Sophia Choi) |
| Birth Date | March 5, 1971 |
| Age (2025) | 54 years old |
| Birthplace | Daegu, South Korea |
| Ethnicity | Norwegian-Korean |
| Nationality | American-South Korean |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Journalism, University of Missouri |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) |
| Occupation | News Anchor, Investigative Reporter |
| Current Employer | WSB-TV, Atlanta (since 2011) |
| Previous Employers | CNN Headline News, KCBS-TV, KVBC-TV, WVTM-TV, WSET-TV |
| Awards | Emmy Award Nomination, Associated Press Award, Two Electronic Media Awards |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1 million – $5 million |
| Salary (2025) | $40,000 – $110,500 annually |
| Marital Status | Unknown (Private) |
| Social Media | Twitter: @SophiaWSB, Instagram: Not publicly active |
| Notable Appearances | Primary Colors (1998), The Torturer (2008), Special Unit 2 |
| Hobbies | Cooking, Animal Welfare Advocacy |
Why Sophia Choi Stands Out in 2025
Sophia’s ability to balance investigative journalism with engaging on-air presence sets her apart. Her 2025 focus on community-driven stories, such as exposing local business practices, aligns with growing viewer demand for accountability in media. Unlike many anchors, she avoids sensationalism, earning trust through thorough reporting. Her multicultural background enriches her storytelling, offering perspectives that resonate with diverse audiences.
Conclusion: Sophia Choi’s journey from Daegu to Atlanta exemplifies resilience and dedication. At 54 years old, with a net worth of $1 million to $5 million and a salary of $40,000 to $110,500, she remains a trusted voice in journalism. While her marriage and dating life remain private, her professional achievements and advocacy continue to inspire. Stay updated on her work via WSB-TV or @SophiaWSB on Twitter.
