Actor Kim Soo Hyun’s real estate holdings have become a hot topic once again amid ongoing controversy surrounding his alleged past relationship with Kim Sae Ron.

Reports reveal that he owns three luxury apartments in the high-end Galleria Foret complex in Seoul, with a total market value of up to 30 billion won.

Now, some are questioning why he allegedly demanded 700 million won from Kim Sae Ron when he could have easily saved 1 billion won in taxes with smarter investments.

In January 2023, Kim Soo Hyun bought a 297㎡ (90-pyeong) penthouse in Galleria Foret for 8.8 billion won, reportedly taking out a 4.84 billion won loan to cover about half the cost.

This wasn’t his first purchase in the complex. Back in October 2013, he bought another 297㎡ penthouse for 4.002 billion won, followed by a 231㎡ (70-pyeong) unit in October 2014 for 3.02 billion won.

With the current market price at around 1 billion won per pyeong, his total real estate value is estimated between 25 billion and 30 billion won.

However, real estate experts say his choice to own three units in the same complex was financially unwise.

“Owning multiple apartments in one place means he faces heavy capital gains taxes when selling. If he had diversified his investments into buildings, savings, or stocks, he could have saved at least 1 billion won in taxes alone,” one expert commented.

This has sparked criticism over Kim Soo Hyun’s demand for Kim Sae Ron to repay 700 million won, especially considering his immense wealth.

Just two months after purchasing his third luxury apartment, Kim Soo Hyun reportedly sent a formal demand letter to Kim Sae Ron in March 2023, requiring full repayment.

According to text messages revealed by Kim Sae Ron’s family, she pleaded with him, saying:

“I’m not saying I won’t pay you back, but if you ask for 700 million won right now, I really can’t do it. It’s not that I don’t want to—I just can’t. Do we really have to go to court? Please, let me live. I’m begging you. Give me some time.”

Shockingly, reports says Kim Soo Hyun never responded.

The 700 million won in question was reportedly the compensation demanded by Netflix’s ‘Bloodhounds’ production company, Studio N, after Kim Sae Ron’s drunk driving incident caused delays in filming. Initially, the claim was a staggering 7 billion won, but after negotiations, it was reduced to 700 million won—still a massive burden for the actress, whose career was already struggling.

Meanwhile, Galleria Foret, completed in 2011, is known for being one of Seoul’s most luxurious residential complexes.

Located near Seoul Forest with stunning Han River views, it consists of two towers and 230 units. Other famous residents have included actress Han Ye Seul, singer Insooni, and formerly BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, who later moved out.

As Kim Soo Hyun’s real estate holdings come under scrutiny, many are questioning—was it really necessary for him to pressure Kim Sae Ron for 700 million won when he owns properties worth billions?

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Singer Steve Yoo (Yoo Seung Jun), who has been banned from entering South Korea for over two decades, continues to express his love for the country and his desire to return.

On March 21, Yoo Seung Jun posted a video on his personal account along with a cryptic caption, saying, “When one door closes, another opens. When one door opens, another closes.”

He continued, “Just because a door has opened doesn’t mean I should leave, and just because one is closed doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try to open it. I am simply walking the path my father told me to take. Whether people acknowledge it or not no longer matters to me.”

His hashtags also caught attention, as he included “I love you,” “Bless you,” “South Korea,” “Loved ones,” “Everything will be okay,” and “Korea.” Fans couldn’t help but wonder if he was once again hinting at his hope to return.

Just a few days earlier, on March 18, Yoo Seung Jun had also posted a nostalgic message about his time in South Korea.

He wrote, “December 7, 1989—13 years old (1st year of middle school). The school I attended until the day before I immigrated to the U.S. in Songpa-gu, Oju Middle School, is still the same.”

Along with his message, he shared a video of the school's walls and playground, revealing, “One of my fans filmed my middle school, which I attended until I left for the U.S., and sent me the video.”

The clip also showed scenes of his elementary school, making fans reminisce about his past in Korea.

Yoo Seung Jun was one of the most popular artists in South Korea during the 1990s, but his career took a sharp turn in 2002 when he unexpectedly left for the U.S., renounced his Korean citizenship, and became a U.S. citizen.

This led to widespread backlash, as many saw it as an attempt to evade mandatory military service. As a result, the South Korean government banned him from entering the country.

Since then, he has repeatedly taken legal action in hopes of lifting the ban. Now, with his continued efforts and heartfelt messages about Korea, many are wondering—will he finally be allowed back after 23 years?

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