K-pop is on the rise in popularity in many countries. K-pop groups and their companies are making loads of money, as evidenced by their high-budget music videos and promotions. There’s a lot of money in being a famous K-pop idol, but some don’t need it. Here’s a list of the top 10 idols who belong to wealthy families.
1. Chenle – NCT Dream
Before officially debuting in NCT Dream, Chenle was already a child star with an album released and performed at a big theatre rented by his family. Chenle's grandfather is reportedly one of China's top 20 entrepreneurs. After debuting in Korea, Chenle's family also bought him a house there, which is very costly.
2. Sooyoung – Girl’s Generation
From the most successful Korean girl group, Girl's Generation, Sooyoung comes from the family that built Seoul Arts Center, established in 1988. Her grandfather was the architect behind the beautiful campus, while her father owns a production company.
3. Choi Siwon – Super Junior
While he has already earned millions through his career as an idol, with a separate company for his group, Choi Siwon was also born rich. His father is the owner of a big pharmaceutical company, and his family reportedly also owns several big stores in Korea.
4. Mina – Twice
Born in the US, Mina comes from an affluent Japanese family and holds dual citizenship. Her father is an orthopedic surgeon and a professor for the same in Osaka University Hospital. Mina was a ballerina before joining JYP entertainment and debuting in Twice.
5. Lia – Itzy
Lia used to attend an elite school with expensive tuition, where she was once seen carrying a designer luxury bag. She also spent some of her childhood in Canada before returning to Korea and debuting as a vocalist in Itzy.
6. Tzuyu – Twice
Tzuyu from Taiwan comes from a mega-rich family who has a background in medicine. Her mother is the co-owner of several plastic surgery clinics and coffee shops in Korea. Moreover, her family also owns a considerable business in Taiwan's night market.
7. Sungjae – BTOB
Idol-actor Yook Sungjae from BTOB comes from a family of very rich people. His grandmother owns a huge fish farm, while his father has a semiconductor company that supplies parts to companies like Samsung. His other relatives are also reportedly successful in their businesses.
8. Park Hyung Sik – ZE:A
Park Hyung Sik, who has successfully transitioned into a full-time actor after his group's disbandment with several famous works under his belt, like Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, and Happiness, also comes from a very affluent family. His father is a board member of BMW, the luxury car brand.
9. Nichkhun – 2 PM
Known as the Thailand Prince in Korea, Nichkhun has done his schooling in several countries like Thailand, New Zealand and the US. His mother is reportedly an owner of a pharmaceutical company in Thailand that makes millions.
10. Jennie – Blackpink
Jennie's family lives in Cheongdam in Gangnam, one of Korea's most expensive neighborhoods, where she was born. She has done most of her schooling in a boarding school in New Zealand before coming back to Korea to train as an idol. Her mother is reportedly a major shareholder of CJ Entertainment, one of South Korea's biggest media companies.
