If you're familiar with K-Drama, you cannot avoid knowing about "chaebols" or "chaebol heirs." The term refers to people born to a rich household, oftentimes with their parents being the CEO or holding extremely high positions in their companies. The chaebol heir is usually the latest generation supposed to succeed in the previous generation and inherit their wealth and possibly their company. It is no news that some K-Pop idols have humble backgrounds.
However, it is also not a shock that some come from really well off families, qualifying the term "chaebol."
Here is a list of some idols who come from families so rich that they can easily be called chaebols.
1. Super Junior Choi Siwon
Siwon is one of the hottest idols ever, and that is undisputed. However, he is also one of the richest. His father is the former CEO of the incredibly famous pharmaceutical company in South Korea, Boryung Medicine. Siwon himself also has an enviable collection of expensive property in Seoul, South Korea.
2. BLACKPINK Jennie
Jennie is truly a princess, both in K-Pop as well as out of it. The K-Pop star and her mother are often seen on tabloids with news about their splurging. There are even rumors about her mother being a director and major shareholder of famous entertainment group CJ E&M.
3. TWICE Tzuyu
Tzuyu's mother is an immensely successful businesswoman, owning multiple top aesthetic clinics and eateries in China and Taiwan, and she continues to expand her business across borders.
4. TWICE Jeongyeon
Jeongyeon is perhaps the richest out of all the girls in the group. Jeongyeon's father is a famed restaurateur and top chef specializing in intricate and flavourful Korean cuisine. As such, she is surely an heiress to a mountain of wealth.
5. 2PM Nichkun
Nichkhun attended Waganui Collegiate School, which is one of the most prestigious schools in New Zealand. His family paid close to AU$55,000 per annum for tuition fees alone. His parents are the CEOs of Thailand's most lucrative pharmaceutical companies, sealing his status as a chaebol heir.
6. NCT Chenle
Chenle's grandfather is among the top 10 most successful conglomerates in China. His rich background becomes very evident if you look at his pre-debut photos, with him posing in all sorts of lavish locations.
7. SNSD Sooyoung
Sooyoung's grandfather is the CEO of a South Korean architecture firm that helped build the famous Seoul Arts Centre. He also built one of the largest houses in the Capital for his family. Needless to say, she inherited a heap of wealth from her family.
8. GFRIEND Umji
Umji's father is the most sought after dental surgeon in South Korea. He also holds a high position in the Moa Dental group, which comprises over 60 medical practices. Considering the exorbitance of the healthcare industry, her family is undoubtedly very well-off.
9. EXO Suho
Suho grew up in one of the poshest and ritzy zip codes in the capital of South Korea: Apgujeong. His father is a well-known academic and University Professor and also one of the most brilliant minds in South Korea.
10. GOT7 Mark
Mark from GOT7 is as rich as they come. His family owns private jets, and they reside in one of the richest and posh areas of California, Los Angeles.
