From helming several hit dramas to selling-out concerts by the dozen around Asia — one of South Korea’s most powerful and popular women celebrities has been there, done that. No surprises that she enjoys a jaw-dropping net worth and an impressive real estate portfolio. We take a look at singer IU’s lavish houses in expensive neighbourhoods.
Perhaps one of the most well-known celebrities of South Korea, Lee Ji-eun — who goes by IU — is a force to be reckoned with. The singer-songwriter and composer has over 50 tracks to her name — her latest collaborative number with BTS’ V Love Wins All boasting wild success. She’s also starred in a string of dramas and movies — including Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), My Mister (2018), Hotel Del Luna (2019), and Dream (2023). Combine this with big brand endorsement deals — read Samsung, Sony, Pepsi — and it’s no surprise that her net worth is estimated to be around USD 45 million.
However, a report by the South China Morning Post reveals that the road to this wealth was not easy. The singer lived in a small, cockroach-infested room with her grandmother and moved around various relatives’ homes due to her parents’ debt. After navigating 20 failed auditions in two years and scams by fake agencies, she debuted under Loen Entertainment (Kakao M) and never looked back. Today, IU owns several lavish houses in South Korea — each more expensive than the next. And while not much is known about them all, we take a look at a few that have made headlines.
A look at singer IU’s lavish houses in expensive neighbourhoods
Cheongdam
IU’s most talked-about property is her lavish 244 sq.m USD 11.7 million house in Seoul — in South Korea’s most expensive residential complex Eterno Cheongdam. Located in the affluent neighbourhood of Cheongdam, the expansive 20-storey space designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Rafel Moneo will feature one or two units on each floor, starting from the second floor above ground according to a report by Korea Herald. Each will open up to stunning views of the Han River. Reportedly, she paid for it all in cash, since loans for residential property above USD 1 million are banned in the city.
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Bangbae
The report by Korea Herald also made note of a house in Bangbae, which is located in the popular Gangnam area of Seocho-gu district. The singer bought the 173.82 sq.ft space in May 2012 for a whooping USD 622,000 approx. and had registered it as her residence. In June 2019, she sold it for USD 637,000 approx.
Close to this space is the singer’s studio worth USD 3.43 million. According to Soompi, this property raised concerns about investment fraud, owing to the construction of a new high-speed rail system that would up its value exponentially. Her team responded to this by stating that it was for personal use and close to her home, “The building currently has IU’s personal studio and a room with 4-5 private practice booths for her junior artists for whom she provides support. The rest of the building space is being used as an office for her mother’s business.”
Yongsan
A report by South China Morning Post points to a flat in the lavish Raemian Caelitus in Yongsan district — making IU neighbours with the many Korean celebrities who have houses in the region. The luxury high-rise residential tower is also known to overlook the Han River and features 56 stories. It’s also the 12th tallest building in all of Seoul. Reportedly, houses here go up to USD 3.3 million.
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Gyeonggi-do
According to Koreaboo, IU also owns an expensive two-storey vacation house in Yangpyeong district, Gyeonggi-do province. This space is believed to be worth about USD 1.64 million, and she spent an additional USD 596,000 to buy the land around the property. Reportedly, this property is for her family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which K-pop idol has the most expensive house?
K-pop singer IU has one of the most expensive houses in South Korea — a lavish 244 sq.m space worth USD 11.7 million space in the glitzy residential complex Eterno Cheongdam.
– How much is IU’s house?
K-pop singer IU’s house in Cheongdam is believed to be worth 244 sq.m space worth USD 11.7 million.
– Where is IU living?
K-pop singer IU reportedly lives in the glitzy residential complex Eterno Cheongdam.
Eshita Srinivas
Senior Digital Writer - Entertainment and Food & Drinks
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary for a solo trip across Asia.
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