Byeon Woo-seok Makes Headlines After Buying Seoul Luxury Apartment for Nearly $9 Million in Cash

South Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok has made headlines after reportedly purchasing a luxury apartment in Seoul for approximately 13 billion won, or nearly $9 million, entirely in cash.

According to a report released on September 10, Byeon Woo-seok purchased a unit at Hannam The Hill, one of Seoul’s most prestigious luxury apartment complexes, in May. He is said to have recently completed the final payment and officially transferred ownership of the property.

What has drawn particular attention is the fact that the property reportedly has no registered mortgage. This has led to speculation that the actor paid the full purchase price without taking out a loan.

One of Seoul’s Most Prestigious Addresses

Located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Hannam The Hill was built on the former site of Dankook University’s campus and consists of around 600 luxury residences.

The complex has long been associated with prominent figures from South Korea’s entertainment and business industries.

BTS members Jin, RM and Jimin, as well as actors So Ji-sub, Kim Hee-ae and Han Hyo-joo, and singer Lee Seung-chul have either lived there or have been known to reside in the area.

Byeon Woo-seok’s reported purchase therefore adds his name to an increasingly impressive list of celebrities connected to one of Seoul’s most exclusive residential communities.

From Financial Struggles to One of Seoul’s Most Expensive Homes

The purchase is particularly meaningful given Byeon Woo-seok’s own story.

When he was starting his career, the actor had spoken about his family’s difficult financial circumstances and reportedly told his parents that he would become successful and help pay off their debts.

He discussed the story publicly during an appearance on the popular Korean television program You Quiz on the Block in 2024.

Since then, Byeon Woo-seok’s career has changed dramatically.

Originally working as a model, he later made the transition into acting. His breakthrough came in 2024 when he starred in tvN’s hit drama Lovely Runner, playing former swimmer and celebrity Ryu Sun-jae.

The series became a major sensation in South Korea and helped turn Byeon Woo-seok into one of the country’s most recognizable young actors.

A Rapid Rise to Stardom

Following the success of Lovely Runner, Byeon Woo-seok developed a strong fan base both in South Korea and internationally.

He also became highly sought-after as an advertising model, further expanding his commercial presence.

In 2026, he continued his acting career by appearing alongside IU in the MBC drama The 21st Century Grand Lady.

With his career continuing to grow, his reported 13-billion-won cash purchase has become another major talking point surrounding the actor.

For someone who once spoke about wanting to succeed so he could help his family financially, the purchase represents a striking milestone in Byeon Woo-seok’s remarkable rise from model to one of Korea’s most prominent young stars.