From BTS members, Song Hye-kyo to IU—here are the Korean stars who own expensive properties in upscale neighbourhoods in Seoul
With fame comes fortune. With the meteoric rise of K-pop, K-dramas and K-mania going strong, several Korean stars have also amassed wealth that allowed them to purchase and own expensive properties, whether it's a penthouse suite or an entire building in Korea's most affluent districts.
Every time these famous stars splurge on new properties, it always catches the attention of fans, particularly because living and owning property in South Korea is not cheap. Being able to purchase a lavish apartment in upscale districts just show how much they earn. Curious to find out how owns expensive properties? Read on to find out more.
Editor's note: This list is not exhaustive and the figures are taken from publically available information on the estimated prices that were converted from Korean won.
1. BTS
Being the best selling artist of 2020, it's no surprise that BTS also own expensive properties. Both RM and Jimin have recently purchased an apartment each in the upscale Nine One Hannam complex, which is often referred to as the "Beverly Hills of Korea" and is one of the most expensive apartment complexes in Seoul. According to Korean media, RM's apartment cost around US$5.7 million for around 293.93 square metres of space while Jimin spent US$5.3 million on an apartment of the same size.
RM previously bought a US$4 million apartment in Hannam The Hill, the same residence where BTS lives as a group and one of the most exclusive apartment buildings in Asia. Jimin bought an old apartment complex before worth US$3.9 million in Banpo Jugong, a prime spot near the Han River. When the apartment undergoes restoration and remodelling, the value is likely increase.
Meanwhile, Jungkook purchased a house in Itaewon early this year. The two-storey house is priced at US$7 million (worth more than the group's home) and spans around 230.72 square metres. It's located about five minutes away from RM and Jimin's new apartment. Before this, he bought a US$2.3 million apartment in Seoul Forest Trimage but has sold it since.
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Other members of the group also have their own luxury properties. Jin bought his own apartment in Hannam The Hill. The property is said to cost about US$3.4 million and was a gift to his parents, giving 35 per cent of the ownership to them. Before that, Jin bought a 614-square-feet unit in 2018 worth US$1.5 million and eventually sold it in 2019.
Suga bought an apartment in the UN Village for about US$3 million. This complex is also expensive thanks to its proximity to the Han River, a popular tourist destination. On the other hand, V bought a property in Apelbaum, Gangnam worth US$4.55 million and spans about 283 square metres. The location is popular among artists and celebrities for its tight security and stunning views of the Han River.
J-hope is the first among the group to own an apartment located in Trimaje, Seongsu way back in 2016. It's reported to cost around US$1.2 million and has since increased in value.
See also: Bang Si-Hyuk, Founder Of BTS' Label, Makes His Debut On Forbes Korea's Richest List 2021