Born Rich, Now Famous: KPOP Idols Who Are Rich Before Debut

The allure of K-pop transcends borders and bank accounts actually. Central to this topic are the idols themselves, many of whom hail from different above averagce backgrounds, providing them with a unique set of resources and challenges as they navigate the industry. KPOP in general, from training to debut known for its rigorous preparation and high production costs, often seems accessible only to those who can afford the risk a.k.a the rich. And who are they? 

This section sets the stage for a deeper dive into individual stories of K-pop idols who started with significant advantages at the same time, carved out their own paths in the global music scene.

Table of Contents

• Jennie Kim (BLACKPINK)
• Jisoo (BLACKPINK)
• Choi Siwon (Super Junior)
• Jeongyeon (Twice)
• Tzuyu (Twice)
• Mina (Twice)
• Nichkhun (2PM)
• Sooyoung (Girl’s Generation)
• Umji (GFRIEND)
• Chenle (NCT)
• Jin (BTS)
• Sungjae (BTOB)
• Ricky (ZEROBASEONE)

Jennie Kim (BLACKPINK)

Jennie Kim, a prominent member of BLACKPINK, stands out not only for her musical talents but also for her background and business acumen. Born in Seoul and raised in New Zealand, Jennie’s global perspective has been a key asset in her career.  Fluent in multiple languages and educated abroad, Jennie’s international exposure has significantly shaped her public persona and professional trajectory.

Her mother’s role as a director and shareholder of CJ E&M and her father’s management of a hospital provided her with a unique upbringing steeped in both the entertainment and corporate worlds. 

As of 2023, Jennie’s estimated net worth is around $20 million, bolstered by her roles as a global ambassador for brands like Chanel and Calvin Klein, and her successful solo music projects. Jennie’s influence extends beyond music; she’s a sought-after brand ambassador and made her acting debut in the series ‘The Idol’, showcasing her versatile talents.

Jisoo (BLACKPINK)

Jisoo, born in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, has risen to global fame as a member of BLACKPINK. Her early life in a family with an older brother and sister was marked by a strong inclination towards the arts, leading her to attend the School of Performing Arts Seoul. She joined YG Entertainment as a trainee in 2011, showcasing her dedication to her craft early on.

Despite limited public information about her family’s background, rumors suggest her father might be an influential figure in the entertainment industry. Jisoo’s estimated net worth of $20 million makes her one of the richest members of BLACKPINK. Her luxury lifestyle is evidenced by her collection of high-end Dior handbags and ownership of premium vehicles like the Mercedes Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.

Choi Siwon (Super Junior)

Choi Siwon, a member of the legendary K-pop group Super Junior, is not only known for his musical talents but also for his deep roots in a wealthy and influential family. Born in Seoul to a father who was the CEO of a pharmaceutical company and owned a trading company in Japan, Siwon’s entry into the entertainment world was against his family’s initial wishes. Opting to carve his own path, he moved into a crowded dormitory to train with SM Entertainment, demonstrating his commitment to his career despite his privileged background.

He also is just not a singer but has starred in popular dramas like “She Was Pretty,” “My Fellow Citizens,” and “Work Later, Drink Now.”

And when it comes to influence and good deeds, he served as a special representative for UNICEF Korea and later as an ambassador for the UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office. Apart from entertainment, Siwon has represented global brands like Audi Korea and Swiss luxury watchmaker Piaget.

Siwon’s journey from a potential heir of a business empire to a self-made millionaire in the entertainment industry illustrates a blend of personal determination and the strategic use of his background. 

Jay (ENHYPEN)

Jay, whose real name is Park Jong Seong, is a standout member of the K-pop boy group ENHYPEN. Born in Seattle, United States, Jay moved to South Korea at the tender age of nine, bringing with him a fluency in English and proficiency in Japanese. His roles within the group as Main Rapper, Lead Dancer, and Vocalist highlight his diverse talents, which were honed over a nearly three-year rigorous training period. Jay’s journey to stardom was catapulted by his impressive second-place finish in the survival show I-LAND, securing over 1 million votes from fans (worldwide).

He’s fluent in English and proficient in Japanese so we can already tell he received foreign language classes growing up.

Jay’s background is particularly unique due to his familial wealth; he is the only child of the owner of Sinar Tour Brunei, a prominent travel agency. This affluence was showcased when Jay generously took fellow member Heeseung on a lavish vacation to Brunei Darussalam, which reportedly cost over 6 million KRW per person. His luxurious lifestyle is often discussed among fans, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, where posts frequently highlight his wealth.

Jeongyeon (TWICE)

Because of her posh upbringing, Jeongyeon appears to be the girl trio Twice’s richest member! Known for his delicate Korean cuisine, her father is a globally renowned chef and restaurateur who owns and operates multiple restaurants across the globe. Even Kim Dae-Jung, the former president of South Korea, tapped him!

Tzuyu (TWICE)

Tzuyu, the youngest member of the popular K-pop group TWICE, is not only known for her roles as a sub-vocalist and lead dancer but also for her striking visuals. Her family’s wealth, derived from successful business ventures including hospital investments in Taiwan, has been a notable aspect of her background. Despite her upbringing, Tzuyu has carved out her own niche in the entertainment industry, amassing a personal net worth of approximately $2 million.

Tzuyu has also significantly boosted her earnings through various endorsements, partnering with brands like LG U+, Crocs Korea, and the Japanese cosmetic brand Visée.

Her family owns several hospitals in Taiwan, with her parents actively managing a plastic surgery clinic. This business acumen also extends to a successful cafe operated by her mother. Her family’s investments are not limited to healthcare; they initially started with a night market business and have continued to diversify their portfolio.

Mina (TWICE)

Mina, a cherished member of the globally recognized K-pop group TWICE, has a background marked by both privilege and artistic dedication. Her father, Akira Myoui, is a renowned orthopedic surgeon and professor in Japan, which provided her with a stable and upbringing. Mina’s early years were spent at the prestigious Obayashi Sacred Heart School, where she excelled academically and in extracurriculars, notably in ballet, which she pursued passionately before transitioning to a music career.

Mina’s proficiency in English and her rigorous ballet training set a solid foundation for her K-pop career. Her transition from ballet to K-pop was a significant shift, facilitated by her family’s resources, allowing her to train intensively in Korea. This move was pivotal in her career, leading to her debut and subsequent fame with TWICE. Her net worth, which is expected to increase with the debut of the TWICE subunit MISAMO, underscores her successful integration into the K-pop industry.

Nichkhun (2PM)

Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul, better known by his stage name Nichkhun, is also someone who we can consider an iconic figure in the K-pop industry, not only as a member of the boy band 2PM but also as a solo artist and actor. Born in California to Thai-Chinese parents, he moved back to Thailand during his childhood, where he attended Thai-medium schools and later studied in New Zealand and the United States (yup, same thoughts). 

Despite his initial interest in sports, particularly badminton, Nichkhun was scouted by JYP Entertainment at a music festival in Los Angeles, which led him to South Korea to train and eventually debut with 2PM in 2008. Nichkhun’s career is marked by his versatility across various entertainment fields because not only he has has released multiple albums with 2PM but as well as solo projects in Japan and South Korea, including his solo mini-album ‘Me’ and his acting career spans roles in Thai and Chinese films and television series, enhancing his profile across Asia.

His influence extends beyond the entertainment industry; Nichkhun has been recognized for his contributions to cultural diplomacy. He served as the Goodwill Ambassador for the 2018 Thai Festival in Seoul, which celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and South Korea. Fluent in English, Korean, and Thai, Nichkhun has also featured in tourism campaigns for the Tourism Authority of Thailand, showcasing his ability to bridge cultural gaps. His net worth, estimated at $18 million, underscores his success in leveraging his talents across multiple platforms, making him a significant figure in promoting the Korean Wave internationally. ICONIC.

Sooyoung (Girls’ Generation)

Sooyoung, a key member of the globally celebrated K-pop group Girls’ Generation, has a rich heritage and a multifaceted career that spans music, acting, and entrepreneurship. Born in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, her early exposure to the entertainment industry began with an SM Entertainment Open Audition in fifth grade. Her talent was undeniable, leading her to win first place at the 2002 Korea-Japan Ultra Idol Duo Audition, and subsequently debuting in Japan as part of the duo Route 0. But before being an idol, she was already living a comfortable life.  Her grandfather owned a prestigious architectural firm responsible for projects like the Seoul Arts Center, and her father presides over a trading company. 

Beyond her entertainment career, Sooyoung has ventured into digital content creation, managing a successful YouTube channel, The Sootory, which boasts nearly 500,000 subscribers. Her influence extends into brand endorsements, including her role as a spokesmodel for Cadillac.

Umji (GFRIEND)

Umji, a member of the K-pop group GFRIEND, and later VIVIZ, has a background that is both privileged and inspiring. Her father, a successful dentist, founded a chain practice with 43 branches across South Korea (right?!), showcasing a significant family business presence in the dental industry. Despite her background, Umji chose to pursue a career in music, going through the rigorous trainee process typical for K-pop idols. Her determination to follow her passion for music, supported by her family, highlights a story of personal ambition over comfort.

Both of Umji’s parents were supportive of her career in music. Her father, who is the president of the Yeonsu branch of the S Moa Dentists Network, also supported her by allowing her to use their credit card to treat her bandmates during their early days.

Umji attended prestigious schools in Korea, focusing on arts, which helped in honing her musical talents. Her siblings also pursued artistic fields, with her brother majoring in Oriental Painting and her sister in Korean Dance.

Chenle (NCT)

Chenle from NCT, known for his vocal prowess, hails from a background marked by considerable wealth. His family’s affluence is evident through their ownership of luxurious properties and the support they’ve provided him, which includes high-end education and international travel. Chenle’s grandfather, often cited among China’s top entrepreneurs, laid a strong financial foundation, which is reflected in the family’s assets like a lavish apartment in Shanghai valued at over 4 billion won (which is by the way equipped with a bamboo forest and a swimming pool). They also purchased a house in Korea to facilitate his K-pop activities.

Despite his wealth, Chenle is noted for his humility. He does not flaunt his financial status and is known for his generosity, often purchasing expensive gifts for his fellow NCT members. His ability to maintain a grounded personality amidst wealth speaks volumes of his character, making him a beloved figure among fans and a role model for aspiring artists.

Jin (BTS)

Jin, a member of the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS, has not only captivated audiences with his vocal talents (and visual as a worldwide handsome) but also established a significant presence in the business world. His estimated net worth as of 2023 stands at an impressive $20 million, a testament to his successful endeavors both on and off the stage.

It’s known ot everyone that Jin used to buy food and stuff for his members and he ‘raised’ Jungkook, basically making sure Jungkook gets to eat what he wants. Although not revealed to the public officially, Jin is a son of a CEO and he did studied abroad which just proved he also came from a well-off family. 

Sungjae (BTOB)

Sungjae, a prominent member of the K-pop group BTOB, hails from a family with substantial wealth, earning him the nickname “diamond spoon” among fans. His father, a successful CEO of an IT company specializing in semiconductors, generated impressive revenues, highlighting a strong business background that influenced Sungjae’s understanding of the industry. Additionally, his maternal grandfather was a pioneer in importing silk red carp into South Korea, establishing a large-scale fishery that added to the family’s wealth. On the other hand, his father is a CEO of a semiconductor company with a revenue of 10 billion won in 2019.

Sungjae’s journey in the entertainment industry is supported by his family’s wealth but defined by his personal talent and charisma. His multifaceted career and humble persona make him a beloved figure in the K-pop world, showing that personal merit and professional dedication play crucial roles in achieving and sustaining fame.

Ricky (ZEROBASEONE)

Ricky known as “young and rich, tall and handsome” who debuted in the boy group ZEROBASEONE (ZB1), brings a unique blend of international experiences and familial influence to the industry. Born in Shanghai in 2004 and raised in Los Angeles, California, Ricky’s multicultural background is complemented by his impressive linguistic skills in Chinese, Korean, and English. His training under Yuehua Entertainment and participation in Mnet’s “Boys Planet” where he ranked fourth, highlight his dedication and talent, making him a promising figure in KPOP.

Ricky’s father is a successful businessman, which has provided a stable and supportive environment for his artistic pursuits. His mother, a model and owner of the clothing line “Role Model,” not only contributes to his sense of style but also to his understanding of brand management. Despite the lack of specific figures regarding his net worth, Ricky’s lifestyle and family background continue to intrigue and attract a large following, enhancing his visibility and marketability as debuts with ZB1.

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And that’s it for now. Did we miss anyone? Let us know or feel free to browse your fave idols’ closet here!