IU is not just a top singer and actress—she’s also making smart real estate moves!

On March 30, reports revealed that IU’s building in Gwacheon, which she bought seven years ago, has gone up in value by 1 billion KRW (around $750,000).

According to a real estate analysis, IU purchased the three-story building with a basement in Gwacheon-dong, Gyeonggi Province, for 4.6 billion KRW (about $3.5 million) in 2018. Now, experts estimate its worth to be around 5.6 billion KRW (about $4.2 million).

One real estate agent explained, “A similar building completed in 2010 was recently sold for 30.7 million KRW per 3.3㎡ (1 pyeong). Based on this, IU’s building, considering its size, age, and location, is estimated to be worth around 5.6 billion KRW.”

However, the building is about 1 km away from Seonbawi Station on Subway Line 4, meaning it’s not in a prime commercial area.

IU had previously shared that she didn’t buy the property for profit but to use as her mother’s office, her personal studio, and a workspace for junior musicians.

Despite rumors that she was investing in real estate for financial gain, her agency firmly denied them, saying, “That is completely false, and there are no plans to sell the building.”

Meanwhile, IU is receiving lots of praise for her dual roles as Ae-soon and Geum-nyeong in the Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines, which dropped on March 28.

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]