2 MINS WITH... HAEBIN CHOI

We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Haebin Choi, a Seoul-based bartender and designer who’s making waves by merging creativity and craftsmanship in fresh, unexpected ways.

From her early days in bartending to her current pursuit of weaving design and mixology into something entirely unique, Haebin’s story is all about breaking conventions and expressing herself through her craft. During our chat, she shared her journey, her thoughts on the power of teamwork, and her fearless approach to creativity that perfectly embodies what it means to #LiveNaked. 

Ready to find out more?

Hey Haebin! Tell us your story—what brought you into to the world of bartending?

Hello, I'm Haebin Choi, a bartender. As soon as I was old enough to step behind the bar, I began my journey as a bartender and have been walking this path ever since. I've always loved expressing my thoughts. When I was in school, I studied design, trying to convey my sensibilities through visual means. However, I began to feel the limitations of visual expression over time. I wondered if there was a way to express my emotions more intimately and in a more diverse manner. That’s when I stumbled upon cocktails, and I was instantly captivated. The colours, aromas, and flavours all coming together in a single glass felt like more than just a drink – it felt like art. Not only can they be enjoyed through taste, but they also offer limitless creative possibilities, which I found incredibly appealing. Through bartending, I continue to express my own unique perspective on the world.
 

Bartending has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge for me was when I first started bartending. At that time, it was rare to see a 20-year-old female bartender, and most of the guests at the bar where I worked were older. Naturally, I wondered, would it be possible to gain recognition in this space? But I believed that whisky and cocktails could be a shared passion that connected me with my customers. With that in mind, I quietly dedicated myself to studying, practicing, and gaining experience, doing my best in my role. Now, times have changed a lot, and I’m thrilled to see so many amazing female bartenders making their mark in the industry. It makes me proud to witness an environment where more people, regardless of gender, can freely pursue their dreams in the fascinating world of bartending.

What advice would you give to a young woman looking to break into the bartending industry?

These days, we’re in an era where female bartenders are making their mark with their own unique styles and personalities. The bartending industry is increasingly embracing diversity and individuality, and skill and creativity are becoming far more important than gender. That’s why I want to tell young women aspiring to be bartenders: Find your own colour and express it with confidence. Bartending isn’t just about making drinks – it’s a deeply personal and creative profession where you can infuse your emotions and philosophy into every cocktail you craft. Technical skills will come with practice and experience, but what truly matters is defining the kind of bartender you want to be and shaping your own style. Believe in yourself. If you can confidently showcase your unique identity through bartending, you’ll shine brighter than anyone else. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and embrace the process of self-expression. Rather than fear, let excitement guide you as you carve out your own path – I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!

You previously worked as a senior bartender at Villa Records in Seoul. Looking back, what are some of your most memorable moments from your time there?

The colleagues I worked with are the ones who remain most memorable to me. Bartending isn’t just a job – it’s a profession where teamwork is essential. My co-workers at the bar weren’t just colleagues; they were people I could understand, rely on, and share moments with. We laughed together during joyful times, celebrated each other’s successes, and lifted each other up during difficult moments. That sense of unity gave me the strength to keep going. 

Some of my most cherished memories are from preparing for bartender competitions with my team. We stayed late, helping each other practice, exchanging ideas, and giving constructive feedback to achieve better results. Those moments went beyond simple training – they were about pushing each other forward while sharing the same journey. Supporting one another and growing together made the experience truly invaluable.
 

Back in 2024, you competed in the Naked Malt Bar Swap competition with the Villa Records team and came in second. Congrats! What were some of the highlights of that experience, and what did you learn from it?

Thank you! Naked Malt Bar Swap competition was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had. I had only participated in competitions where I had to present alone on stage, so the idea of performing alongside a partner felt refreshingly different. Because of that, I felt less nervous and was able to enjoy the competition with a much more relaxed mindset. More than anything, I was deeply impressed by the process of brainstorming and exchanging ideas with my partner, Nick Kwon. As we adjusted our perspectives and expressed our thoughts in our own ways, I found myself thinking, "Oh, this is how my partner approaches storytelling." There were so many moments of discovery. Unlike preparing alone, we were able to recognize each other's strengths, complement each other's weaknesses, and build a stronger sense of teamwork. What made this competition particularly special was that it wasn’t just about supporting one another from the side lines – it was about standing on stage together, creating something as a team. That pushed us to think more deeply, prepare more meticulously, and ultimately grow together. More than just a competition, this experience became a meaningful journey of learning and collaboration.

Can you tell us about your Bar Swap creation, “Two Gather”? What inspired the concept behind it?

"Two Gather" represents the idea of two individuals coming together, merging their unique lives and perspectives into one. We wanted to emphasize not just our connection as colleagues in the same profession, but how our distinct personalities and experiences could create a new synergy. Of course, our careers as bartenders inspire our passion and creativity, but our past experiences and different backgrounds have also played a significant role in shaping our craft. With this cocktail, we aimed to capture those diverse experiences and personal identities that existed before we met behind the bar. My incredible partner, Nick Kwon, brings the perspective of a chef, while I draw from my background as a designer. By combining our strengths and creative expressions, we reimagined the versatile character of Naked Malt through the lens of Korea’s four seasons. We sought to interpret the depth and complexity of Naked Malt by weaving it into the natural rhythm of the seasons, showcasing a new way of experiencing this remarkable whisky. To make this story more accessible, we presented it in a comic-style format, available in both Korean and English on Instagram @sooldalllilll. Rather than just sharing a recipe, we wanted to convey the deeper meaning behind the cocktail—the creative process, the storytelling, and the journey behind its creation. Beyond the drink itself, we also incorporated meaningful design elements into the glassware and coasters. Inspired by the simplicity and intuitiveness of a notebook page, this design symbolizes the daily records and experiences that shape bartending as an art form. Just as each page contributes to a greater story, every moment of dedication and practice adds depth and refinement to the craft of bartending.

Beyond bartending, you're also a talented designer. How did that passion come about?

I've always spent a lot of time alone, which naturally led me to enjoy drawing. Whenever I had free time, I found joy in creating and expressing myself through art. But at some point, I wanted to go beyond just drawing – I wanted to learn how to apply and express my creativity in more diverse ways. That’s why I decided to study visual design in high school, where I formally developed my design skills. The techniques and sense of aesthetics I gained during that time have been incredibly useful, not just in bartending but across various fields. Having a design-oriented perspective has helped me in so many ways. Even now, I occasionally help with design work when needed. Whether it’s creating posters, designing logos, or crafting visual elements, I find it rewarding to apply what I’ve learned in real-life situations. It’s a natural extension of my creativity, and I love being able to integrate design into different aspects of my work.

We love your comic illustrations – especially the otter! What’s the story behind that character?

It all started when I was talking with my best friend about the animals we resemble. One day, my friend looked at me while I was standing with my hands together and said, “You look like an otter.” At first, I just brushed it off as a joke, but the more I thought about it, the more it seemed to fit. Then, while I was thinking about ways to tell the story of whisky in a more friendly and easy way, the 'otter' idea came to mind. It felt like it naturally flowed, as if this character could connect both my appearance and the story of whisky. And so, the otter character was born, one that could help tell whisky stories in a fun and approachable way! 

By the way, my friend resembles a lynx.

Where do you find inspiration for new cocktails and designs? Do you feel these two creative passions are connected?

Bartending and design might seem like completely different fields at first glance, but I believe they share a common thread in that both are about infusing your own sensibility. This similarity really fascinates me. For example, when you lightly sketch a line on a page, you start to see different forms and possibilities unfold along that line. At first, it’s just a simple line, but depending on how you use and develop it, a whole new image can emerge. I feel the same way about cocktails. The classic cocktails that have existed for so long are like that initial line. By adding new elements and adjusting, you open endless possibilities. It’s like drawing that first line with a classic cocktail, and then seeing a new path unfold from there. That feeling of inspiration, where one simple idea turns into something new, is what guides me in expressing cocktails in my own way. Just like design, I think cocktails are ultimately about adding my own interpretation and sensibility to create a personal style. In that sense, bartending and design don’t feel like separate activities to me, but rather organically connected forms of creative expression.
 

And lastly, what does it mean for you to #LiveNaked?

To me, #LiveNaked means embracing freedom and authenticity in every moment. Just like how I approach drawing without rigid rules or boundaries, I believe life – and even enjoying a drink – shouldn’t be confined to one set way. There is no single "correct" way to experience things, whether it's enjoying a cocktail or neat whisky. What matters most is finding your own path, discovering what feels right, and fully embracing it. #LiveNaked is about being true to yourself, enjoying each moment with openness, and expressing your unique style, whether it’s in a drink or in life. For me, it's like painting on a canvas – each sip, each choice, is an INTERNAL opportunity to express who you are and how you feel in that moment. That sense of freedom and authenticity is what makes life – and drinking – truly enjoyable.

Cheers Haebin!

You can find out more about Haebin here, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram to catch our next edition of 2 Minutes with Someone Naked! ✌