“Cash Flex” Celebrities Buying Homes Valued in the Hundreds of Billions with All-Cash Transactions

In August, popular singer Lee Hyori made headlines by purchasing a single-family house in Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, for a staggering 6.05 billion won in cash. This spacious residence encompasses approximately 100 pyeong, featuring two floors above ground and a basement level. Reports indicate that Lee Hyori owns 3/4 of the property while her husband, Lee Sang-soon, holds the remaining 1/4.

The couple is currently renovating the interior and plans to move in this month. They intend to rent out their previous home located in Jeju Island, where they had been residing.

After marrying Lee Sang-soon in September 2013, Lee Hyori moved to Jeju. In July, she disclosed on a YouTube channel that after 11 years, they are preparing to return to Seoul.

She mentioned, “I’m finally moving to Seoul in the second half of this year. It feels like the right time. I think my activities won’t be the same as before. The world has changed so much that I’m even contemplating whether I should try YouTube,” sharing her thoughts on the shift.

Meanwhile, BTS’s J-Hope is also showcasing his affluent lifestyle. According to Biz Korea, he purchased a luxury penthouse unit at Apelbaum Hangang in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, for 12 billion won in cash in June, followed by an additional unit on the floor below in July.

J-Hope made these purchases entirely in cash, foregoing any mortgage. The current market value of high-rise units at Apelbaum Hangang is estimated to range between 11 and 12 billion won, suggesting that J-Hope has invested over 20 billion won in total for both apartments.

The penthouse J-Hope acquired boasts three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a duplex layout with an exclusive area of 83 pyeong and a total supply area of 110 pyeong. The additional unit below is a single-floor structure featuring three bedrooms, three bathrooms, with an exclusive area of 70 pyeong and a total supply area of 91 pyeong.

Beyond Apelbaum Hangang, J-Hope also owns two apartments in the Trimage complex located in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, bringing his total count of luxury properties in the city to four.

TVXQ’s Changmin also made a notable real estate purchase. In April, he bought a Hyundai Apartment in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, for 8.9 billion won in cash. Additionally, former national rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae and her husband acquired a single-family home in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, for 7.2 billion won in cash last November.

Trot singer Jang Yoon-jeong also made waves by purchasing a penthouse at Apelbaum Hangang, where J-Hope holds two units, for 12 billion won in cash. Records indicate that Jang Yoon-jeong and her husband, broadcaster Do Kyung-wan, completed the transfer of ownership in April under joint names.

Source: daum