Background on Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon
Who are Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon?
Lee Hyori stands as one of South Korea’s most beloved entertainers, having carved her path from girl group Fin.K.L member to solo artist and television personality. Her husband, Lee Sang Soon, brings his own artistic flair as a talented guitarist and musician. Together, they represent a power couple that has captured hearts across Asia with their authentic, down-to-earth approach to celebrity life. Their relationship blossomed away from the spotlight, creating a genuine bond that fans have come to admire and respect over the years.
Their journey as a couple
The couple’s love story began in the most natural way possible, through mutual friends and shared musical interests. After dating quietly for several years, they tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony on their Jeju Island property in 2013. Their marriage has been marked by simplicity and genuine affection, often sharing glimpses of their daily life through various television programs. What makes their relationship special is how they’ve maintained their individual careers while building a life together, supporting each other’s artistic endeavors and personal growth throughout their journey.
Significance of Jeju Island in their lives
Jeju Island became more than just a home for Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon; it transformed into their sanctuary. The island’s natural beauty and slower pace of life provided the perfect backdrop for their relationship to flourish. They built their house with their own hands, creating not just a dwelling but a testament to their commitment to each other and their desire for a simpler life. The property served as the setting for the popular reality show that gave fans an intimate look into their daily routines, their love for animals, and their genuine hospitality toward guests.
The Sale of the Jeju House
Details of the sale
In August 2021, Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon made the difficult decision to sell their cherished Jeju Island home for approximately 2.5 billion KRW, roughly $2.1 million USD. The property, which they had built themselves, represented years of hard work and countless memories. Initially, JTBC purchased the house while the couple retained ownership of the surrounding land. However, this arrangement proved temporary, as they eventually sold the remaining land as well, completing their departure from the property that had defined their married life for nearly a decade.
Emotional connection to the house
The house held profound sentimental value beyond its monetary worth. Every corner told a story of their relationship, from the kitchen where Lee Hyori prepared meals for guests to the garden where they spent quiet mornings with their beloved pets. The property witnessed their wedding ceremony, countless gatherings with friends, and the filming of their reality show that endeared them to millions of viewers. Letting go of this space meant releasing a significant chapter of their lives, one filled with growth, love, and the simple joys of island living.
Financial aspects of the sale
While the 2.5 billion KRW sale price reflected the property’s market value, the financial decision involved more than just numbers. The couple had invested not only money but also time and emotional energy into creating their dream home. The sale provided them with capital for their next chapter, including their subsequent purchase of a property in Seoul’s prestigious Pyeongchang-dong neighborhood. The transaction demonstrated their practical approach to life changes, using the proceeds to secure their future while adapting to new circumstances.
Reasons for Selling the Property
Privacy concerns
The couple’s decision to sell stemmed largely from escalating privacy issues that made their peaceful island life increasingly difficult. What began as occasional curious visitors gradually evolved into a more serious problem that affected their daily routines. The house’s fame from their reality show attracted attention that, while flattering, ultimately compromised the tranquil lifestyle they had sought on Jeju Island. Their need for personal space and the ability to live without constant scrutiny became paramount in their decision-making process.
Issues of trespassing
Trespassing became a significant concern that pushed the couple toward their difficult decision. Fans and curious visitors began entering their property without permission, disrupting their privacy and creating safety concerns. These incidents weren’t isolated occurrences but rather a growing pattern that made them feel unsafe in their own home. The situation reached a point where they could no longer enjoy the simple pleasure of spending time in their garden or having quiet moments on their property without worrying about unwanted intrusions.
Impact of media attention
The intense media attention surrounding their home life, while initially welcome for their television projects, eventually became overwhelming. Every aspect of their daily routine was subject to public interest and speculation. The constant scrutiny made it challenging to maintain the authentic, relaxed lifestyle that had originally drawn them to Jeju Island. The media attention also contributed to the trespassing issues, as their exact location became widely known, making privacy nearly impossible to maintain.
Life After the Sale
Current residence in Jeju Island
Despite selling their famous house, Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon haven’t completely severed their ties with Jeju Island. They continue to maintain a presence on the island, though in a more private capacity than before. This arrangement allows them to preserve their connection to the place that shaped their married life while addressing the privacy concerns that led to the sale. Their continued residence on Jeju demonstrates their genuine love for the island beyond the publicity it brought them.
Future plans for relocation
The couple has been open about their evolving plans for where to establish their primary residence. Lee Sang Soon has mentioned upcoming performances in Seoul, suggesting a potential shift toward spending more time in the capital city. Their purchase of the Pyeongchang-dong property indicates a strategic move to have options available as their careers and personal preferences evolve. This flexibility reflects their mature approach to balancing professional opportunities with personal happiness.
Adaptation to new living conditions
Adjusting to life after selling their beloved home has required significant emotional and practical adaptation. The couple has had to redefine what home means to them, moving beyond a specific location to focus on their relationship and shared experiences. This transition period has likely strengthened their bond as they navigate new challenges together. Their ability to adapt shows the resilience that has characterized their relationship from the beginning.
The New Home in Pyeongchang-dong
Details of the new property
In August 2022, the couple purchased a detached house in Seoul’s affluent Pyeongchang-dong neighborhood for 6.05 billion KRW. The property features approximately 330 square meters of floor space, offering ample room for their lifestyle needs. Lee Hyori holds a three-quarter stake in the property, with the arrangement reflecting their financial planning and investment strategy. The house represents a significant upgrade in terms of urban amenities while maintaining the privacy they value.
Investment aspects of the new home
The Pyeongchang-dong purchase represents both a lifestyle choice and a sound financial investment. The neighborhood’s reputation as a prestigious area with strong property values makes it an attractive long-term investment. The property’s size and location provide potential for appreciation while offering the couple flexibility for future decisions. This strategic approach to real estate demonstrates their thoughtful financial planning beyond their entertainment careers.
Community and neighborhood in Pyeongchang-dong
Pyeongchang-dong is renowned as one of Seoul’s most exclusive neighborhoods, home to celebrities, business leaders, and prominent figures. The area offers the privacy and security that the couple seeks while providing access to Seoul’s cultural and professional opportunities. The neighborhood’s established reputation for discretion makes it an ideal location for high-profile residents who value their privacy. This community aspect likely influenced their decision to invest in the area.
Cultural Impact of Their Decision
Reactions from fans and the public
Fans responded to the house sale with a mixture of understanding and sadness, recognizing the couple’s need for privacy while mourning the end of an era. Many supporters expressed appreciation for the years of entertainment and genuine moments the couple shared through their reality show. The public reaction highlighted the deep connection viewers felt to the couple’s Jeju Island life, demonstrating how their authentic approach to sharing their lives had created lasting emotional bonds with their audience.
Media coverage and portrayal
The media coverage of their decision was generally sympathetic, with most outlets focusing on the privacy concerns that motivated the sale rather than sensationalizing the story. Entertainment journalists and variety show commentators praised the couple for their transparency about the challenges of maintaining privacy in the public eye. This respectful coverage reflected the industry’s recognition of their contributions to Korean entertainment and their right to personal space and security.
Influence on celebrity real estate trends
Their experience has likely influenced how other celebrities approach real estate decisions and privacy management. The couple’s openness about the challenges of living in a famous location may encourage other public figures to consider privacy implications more carefully when choosing where to live. Their story serves as a case study in balancing public engagement with personal boundaries, potentially shaping how future celebrity reality shows approach location and privacy issues.
Future Aspirations and Plans
Lee Sang Soon’s upcoming performances
Lee Sang Soon has indicated plans to increase his performance schedule in Seoul, which partly explains their investment in the Pyeongchang-dong property. His musical career continues to evolve, with opportunities for collaboration and solo projects that require a Seoul base. These professional developments suggest a new phase in his artistic journey, one that balances his established reputation with fresh creative challenges. His upcoming performances represent not just career moves but also the couple’s adaptation to changing circumstances.
Lee Hyori’s career direction
Lee Hyori’s career trajectory remains dynamic, with possibilities spanning music, television, and other entertainment ventures. Her experience with reality television has opened new avenues for authentic content creation, though she may approach future projects with greater attention to privacy boundaries. Her established fan base and industry relationships provide a strong foundation for whatever direction she chooses to pursue. The Seoul property gives her greater access to industry opportunities while maintaining the lifestyle flexibility she values.
Plans for family and home life
The couple’s future plans appear to prioritize flexibility and privacy while remaining open to new opportunities. Their real estate decisions suggest a strategy of maintaining options rather than committing to a single location or lifestyle. This approach reflects their maturity and understanding of how life circumstances can change. Their focus on creating a secure, private foundation for their relationship indicates their commitment to protecting what matters most to them while remaining engaged with their professional lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon sell their Jeju house?
They sold their Jeju house primarily due to privacy concerns and increasing trespassing issues that made their life on the island difficult.
What is the significance of Jeju Island to the couple?
Jeju Island served as a sanctuary for the couple, where they built their home, celebrated their wedding, and showcased their life through a reality show.
How much did they sell their house for?
They sold their Jeju house for approximately 2.5 billion KRW (around $2.1 million USD).
Where do they live now?
After selling their Jeju house, they purchased a new property in Pyeongchang-dong, Seoul.
What are Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon’s future plans?
They plan to continue their careers in Seoul while maintaining a connection to Jeju Island, adapting to new living conditions.
Embracing New Chapters
As Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon transition from their cherished Jeju home to a new life in Seoul, they exemplify the balance of personal privacy and professional aspirations. Their journey highlights the importance of adapting to change while cherishing the memories of the past.