Actor Byeon Woo Seok, whose popularity exploded following the massive success of Lovely Runner, has reportedly purchased a luxury residence in one of Seoul’s most exclusive neighborhoods for an eye-watering ₩13.0 billion KRW (about $9.70 million USD), apparently without taking out a mortgage.
According to real estate and financial industry sources on September 10, Byeon Woo Seok purchased a 235㎡ (approximately 2,530-square-foot) unit at Hannam The Hill in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
The actor reportedly agreed to purchase the property in May before completing the remaining payment and officially transferring ownership on September 2. Even more surprising than the enormous price tag is how the actor appears to have paid for it.
According to reports, the property’s registration records show no separate mortgage or maximum secured claim registered against the residence. Based on those records, industry sources believe Byeon Woo Seok likely purchased the home entirely in cash.
If accurate, the transaction represents an enormous all-cash real estate purchase for the 34-year-old actor, whose career experienced a dramatic surge following Lovely Runner.
Completed in 2011 on the former site of Dankook University, Hannam The Hill consists of 600 residences across 32 buildings. Unlike conventional high-rise apartment complexes, the development became known for its enormous units, relatively low-density construction, extensive landscaping and privacy. The complex has played a major role in establishing Hannam-dong as one of Korea’s premier luxury residential districts, helping shift some of Seoul’s ultra-high-end housing demand away from its traditional concentration in Gangnam.
Its combination of security, privacy and location has also made it particularly popular among some of Korea’s wealthiest executives and celebrities.
Residents have reportedly included musical actress Ock Joo Hyun and actors So Ji Sub, previously BTS, and more. Several prominent Korean business executives have also reportedly owned or occupied residences within the complex.
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Born in 1991, Byeon Woo Seok initially entered the entertainment industry as a model in 2010 before transitioning into acting. Just a few years after his breakthrough into leading-man status, Byeon Woo Seok has reportedly joined the ranks of the stars able to call one of Korea’s most exclusive residential complexes home.