The Inspiring Journey of Top Star Won Bin: From Rural Beginnings to Owning Properties Worth 25 Billion Won

Recently, on Mnet’s popular variety program “TMI News,” the rankings of self-made celebrities were unveiled, placing Won Bin in the impressive 3rd position. During the episode, host Jang Do Yeon shared anecdotes about Won Bin’s childhood, revealing that “Won Bin used to make pocket money by capturing and selling snakes,” which captivated the audience’s attention.

Won Bin’s remarkable sense of self-reliance is thought to have arisen from the hardships his family experienced. Jang Do Yeon elaborated, stating that “Won Bin’s father toiled in a coal mine to ensure his children received a decent education, even amid challenging economic conditions.” Growing up under these circumstances instilled an early sense of independence in Won Bin, aiding him in achieving his eventual success.

Won Bin’s ascent to stardom was not solely dependent on talent. His inspiring journey began when he relocated to Seoul to chase his acting ambitions. Along the way, he juggled part-time jobs to sustain himself while auditioning whenever he could. His breakthrough came when he participated in a rookie actor competition organized by Cheil Broadcasting, where he was selected. Faced with a lack of funds for professional photos, Won Bin creatively used a film camera owned by his sister to capture his own submission pictures, showcasing his unwavering determination to succeed in acting.

Designer André Kim noticed Won Bin’s striking looks and talent, inviting him to participate in his fashion show, which served as an important platform for his public introduction. Subsequently, Won Bin’s career flourished, earning him widespread affection as an actor.

His achievements were not merely the product of chance; they were the culmination of relentless hard work and dedication. Notably, his parents initially discouraged him from pursuing a celebrity career, telling him, “Do you really think being famous is an easy path? Even in downtown Gangneung, you’ll find many more attractive people than you.” Contrary to their discouragement, Won Bin persisted in his pursuit of his dream.

Today, Won Bin stands as a leading star, commanding up to 800 million KRW for each commercial appearance. Alongside his wife, fellow actress Lee Na Young, the couple owns three buildings in Gangnam, with their total real estate holdings estimated to reach approximately 25 billion KRW.

In a previous episode of MBC’s “Radio Star,” Won Bin subtly referenced his property holdings, revealing, “My father passed away young, leaving our family financially strained. This motivated me to aspire for homeownership.” He continued, “I diligently worked to provide for my family, and that’s the foundation of my current success.”

Won Bin’s narrative exemplifies the essence of self-made triumph, reminding many of the importance of persistent effort and patience in realizing one’s aspirations.

Source: Daum

Source