In the glitzy realm of Korean entertainment, it's not uncommon to find actors and actresses who were born into affluent families. These individuals have experienced a life of wealth, but their passion for performance propelled them into the limelight, thanks to their own unique talents and charms.
Below, let's take a closer peek at a roster of K-drama actors and actresses with larger-than-life lineages.
1. Choi Siwon
Choi Siwon, best known as a member of the popular K-pop group Super Junior, hails from a wealthy family. Before even venturing into the world of acting in She Was Pretty, Revolutionary Love, and the recent Love Is for Suckers, Siwon already had a heavy background to his name.
His father, Choi Ki Ho, is the CEO of Boryung Medience, a leading pharmaceutical company in South Korea, while his mom is said to own a lingerie brand. Meanwhile, his family packs considerable assets of their own, reportedly owning the Hyundai Department Store and several other businesses.
2. Choi Soo Young
Even before making it as a K-pop phenom in Girls' Generation, Soo Young had affluence running in her roots. Her grandfather is the man behind Seoul Arts Center, and is also the CEO of a large architecture firm. Despite her privileged upbringing, Soo Young pursued a career in acting and music in a showcase of her versatility. The star has appeared in several dramas and films, including Tell Me What You Saw and Run On.
3. Jung Hae In
He might be famous for his well-noted appearances in Something in the Rain, D.P., and Snowdrop, but Jung Hae In boasts an impressive background as well. The K-drama actor is reportedly the grandson of Jeong Yak Yong, a highly respected figure during the Joseon era, due to his works related to philosophy, science, and public office. In contemporary times, Hae In’s parents are also said to own a hospital in South Korea.
4. Kim Tae Hee
In the present, the veteran Stairway to Heaven actress has a remarkable list of accomplishments of her own. Aside from graduating from the prestigious Seoul National University, Kim Tae Hee has racked up a heavyweight list of acting credits, and even accumulated sizeable real estate investments with her husband Rain. But even before that, her father Kim Yoo Moon is actually the chairman of Hankook Union Transportation Company, which has one year's sales totaling to $13.8 million (around P624 million).
5. Lee Yi Kyung
Lee Yi Kyung, known for his comedic roles in dramas like Welcome to Waikiki and Go Back Couple, is also one celebrity born into an affluent background. His father is said to be a big-time CEO behind LG Innotek. But despite that, Yi Kyung's actual history is also reminiscent of dramas, as he dropped out of high school to work as a part-timer in a DVD and comic book rental shop.
6. Park Hyung Sik
Another K-pop idol-slash-actor, Park Hyung Sik of Hwarang and Strong Woman Bong Soon fame has also family wealth to his name–one which he acknowledged. During a TV appearance, the star responded to hearsay about his background, clarifying that his father isn’t a CEO. However, Hyung Sik’s dad still maintains an impressive stature in the business world, as he’s actually a board member of BMW Korea.
7. Yook Sung Jae
Remember Deok-hwa from Goblin? Turns out his TV counterpart is close to his real-life persona! Yook Sung Jae, a multi-talented entertainer and member of the K-pop group BtoB, also comes from a well-to-do family. His grandmother reportedly owns a large fishing farm, while his uncle is behind a company called Space Max. Not only that, but Sung Jae’s father is the CEO of a semiconductor company in South Korea, which accumulated 10 billion won in 2019 alone–that’s approximately P430 million at that time!
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