David Choe, the American painter, graffiti artist, muralist, and graphic novelist, has an estimated net worth of $300 million. Choe is best known for his distinctive “dirty style” of painting, characterized by raw brushwork, impulsive lines, and emotionally charged imagery. His financial breakthrough came in 2005 when he chose Facebook stock as payment for painting murals in the company’s first headquarters. By the time Facebook went public in 2012, Choe’s shares were reportedly worth over $100 million, making him one of the wealthiest artists in the world.
Had he held all of his stock, his stake could be valued in the billions today, cementing his reputation as a legendary figure in both the art world and Silicon Valley history. Here is a detailed look of David Choe net worth.
Early Life
David Choe was born on April 21, 1976, in Los Angeles, California, to Korean immigrant parents who were born-again Christians. He grew up in Koreatown, where he began drawing “Star Wars” and “G.I. Joe” images as a child. In 1990, inspired by Los Angeles graffiti artists Hex and Mear One, he started painting graffiti. Choe dropped out of high school after his parents’ real estate business was destroyed during the 1992 L.A. riots. He then traveled across America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East for two years before returning to California to attend the California College of the Arts.
Art Career
Choe’s early work included graffiti, illustrations, and self-published graphic novels like Slow Jams, which earned a Xeric Grant and became a cult collectible. His graffiti and artwork drew attention internationally, and he exhibited in solo shows across San Francisco, New York, London, and Mexico City. He also designed the cover for Jay-Z and Linkin Park’s 2004 Collision Course EP and voiced the lead character in the 2007 animated film We Are The Strange.
Choe gained massive public recognition after painting murals for Facebook in 2005. Offered either cash or stock, he took the stock, which later skyrocketed in value, solidifying his wealth and status as a successful outsider artist.
Media and Film Work
David Choe has worked extensively in film, television, and digital media. He hosted travel-adventure series for Vice, appeared in the Vice web series Thumbs Up! (2007–2010), and co-hosted the DVDASA podcast with Asa Akira. In 2023, he played “The Painter” in the Netflix series Beef, earning critical acclaim for his performance. Choe has also produced documentaries and served as executive producer for several of his projects.
Personal Life and Controversies
Choe has been involved in various charitable activities, including raising funds for Wyclef Jean’s Yle Haiti and The LIDÈ Haiti Foundation. He has faced legal issues and controversies, including a prison stint in Japan in the early 2000s and public backlash over past statements. Choe has publicly apologized for previous remarks and clarified that he has no history of sexual assault.
Real Estate
David Choe owns luxury real estate, including a 6,500-square-foot mansion in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, which he purchased in 2010 for $3.1 million and listed in 2022 for $6.9 million.
David Choe’s career blends street art, high-profile commissions, and media ventures, earning him a net worth of $300 million. From graffiti artist to Silicon Valley legend, Choe has established himself as a unique and influential figure in contemporary art and popular culture.
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