Many K-pop stars live luxurious lives today. Some came from wealthy families before their rise to fame. These talented artists grew up as “chaebol” heirs – members of powerful Korean business families. Let’s explore ten K-pop idols who enjoyed privilege before stardom.
1. Super Junior’s Siwon
Siwon’s father led Boryung Medicine as CEO. The family owns Hyundai Department Store and Korean Slim Fashion. Since 2010, Siwon has worked with UNICEF. In 2015, UNICEF named him their special representative in South Korea.
2. BLACKPINK’s Jennie
Jennie’s mother owns major shares in CJ E&M, a top Korean entertainment company. The company controls Mnet and tvN networks. Her father runs a hospital in Seoul’s Gangnam area.
3. ENHYPEN’s Jay
Jay spent his early years in Seattle until age ten. His father leads Sinar Tours as president and co-owner. The company started Korea-Brunei flights in 2015. Jay once treated his group members to a luxury 7-star hotel stay.
4. TWICE’s Tzuyu
Tzuyu’s parents built their success in Taiwan. They ran night markets in Tainan and invested in hospitals. Her mother manages medical clinics and cafes.
5. 2PM’s Nichkhun
Nichkhun grew up between America and Thailand. He attended the elite Waganui Collegiate School in New Zealand. His mother leads Union Medical, Thailand’s major pharmaceutical distributor.
6. Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung
Sooyoung’s grandfather leads a major architecture firm that built Seoul Arts Centre. Her father chairs a construction company. The family owns luxury homes in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong area.
7. VIVIZ’s Umji
Umji’s father ranks as Korea’s top dental surgeon. He holds a senior position at Moa Dental group. The group runs 45 clinics across Korea. During her GFRIEND days, Umji often treated members to meals.
8. NCT’s Chenle
Chenle’s grandfather ranks among China’s top 20 business leaders. While his family’s business remains private, childhood photos show his luxurious upbringing.
9. BTOB’s Yook Sung Jae
Yook Sung Jae’s father runs an IT company making semiconductors. The company earned ₩10.0 billion KRW in 2019. His grandparents pioneered silk red carp farming in Paju.
10. GOT7’s Mark
Mark comes from a wealthy family with Beverly Hills properties. He enjoys luxury travel, once booking an entire first-class cabin.
He even flew from Thailand to Switzerland just for snowboarding.
