10 K-pop Idols Who Were Born Rich

While many K-pop idols come from humble beginnings and work tirelessly to achieve their dreams, some were born into affluent families that provided them with financial security and opportunities. These idols had the privilege of growing up wealthy, which influenced their early lives and careers. Here are 10 K-pop idols born rich, with details about their careers and family backgrounds.

1. Choi Siwon (Super Junior)

Choi Siwon debuted as a member of Super Junior in 2005 under SM Entertainment, one of the most influential K-pop groups of the second generation. Known for their success in promoting K-pop globally, Super Junior played a key role in expanding the Hallyu wave. In addition to his career as a singer, Siwon has also pursued acting in both Korean dramas and international projects.

Siwon comes from a wealthy South Korean family. His father was the CEO of Boryung Medicine, a leading pharmaceutical company, and later transitioned to managing a major trading company. His family’s wealth and connections to South Korea’s business elite granted him a financially stable upbringing, but Siwon has consistently emphasized his hard work and independence as a performer.

2. Choi Siwon (NCT Dream)

Zhong Chenle, better known as Chenle, debuted with NCT Dream in 2016 under SM Entertainment. As one of the youngest members of the group, he quickly gained attention for his vocal talent. Before his debut, Chenle was already an accomplished child singer in China, having performed at numerous prestigious events and even released solo music.

Chenle was born into a wealthy family in Shanghai, China. His grandfather is a prominent businessman with significant influence and resources. Chenle’s family’s financial support allowed him to train extensively in music and even hold solo concerts as a child, long before becoming a K-pop idol.

3. Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul (2PM)

Nichkhun debuted in 2008 as a member of 2PM under JYP Entertainment. As a Thai-American, he brought a unique global appeal to the group, which was one of the leading boy bands of the second generation of K-pop. Nichkhun’s international background and multilingual skills also helped him secure numerous endorsement deals and roles in both Korean and foreign media.

Nichkhun comes from an affluent Thai family. His mother is the CEO of a successful pharmaceutical company, and his father is involved in business as well. Nichkhun was able to attend prestigious schools in Thailand, New Zealand, and the United States, giving him a strong academic and cultural foundation before entering the entertainment industry.

4. Jennie Kim (BLACKPINK)

Jennie Kim debuted with BLACKPINK in 2016 under YG Entertainment and quickly became one of the most recognized female idols in the world. BLACKPINK’s international success has made Jennie a household name, and she has also gained recognition as a global ambassador for luxury fashion brands.

Jennie grew up in the affluent neighborhood of Cheongdam-dong in Seoul. Her mother is reportedly a shareholder and director of a major South Korean entertainment company, while her father owns a hospital. Jennie studied abroad in New Zealand during her teenage years, reflecting her family’s financial ability to provide her with a high-quality education and global experiences.

5. Nicha Yontararak ((G)I-DLE)

Minnie debuted in 2018 as the main vocalist of (G)I-DLE under Cube Entertainment. The Thai idol quickly gained attention for her vocal ability and contribution to the group’s unique musical style, which has earned them international acclaim

Minnie was born into a wealthy family in Bangkok, Thailand. Her father is a successful businessman, and her mother is actively involved in charity work. Minnie’s financially secure upbringing allowed her to pursue music and arts education at a young age, preparing her for her debut in the K-pop industry.

6. Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul (SuperM)

Ten debuted in 2016 as part of NCT U, later joining the Chinese subunit WayV and the global supergroup SuperM under SM Entertainment.

Ten was born into an affluent family in Thailand. He attended an international school in Bangkok, where he received a high-quality education. His family’s wealth and support gave him access to artistic training, which helped him develop his talents before entering the K-pop industry.

7. Liu Yangyang (WayV)

Yangyang debuted with WayV, the Chinese subunit of NCT, in 2019 under SM Entertainment. Known for his multilingual skills, he quickly adapted to the K-pop industry despite being one of the younger members.

Yangyang was born in Taiwan and raised in Germany. His family’s financial stability allowed him to live abroad and access diverse cultural and educational opportunities. These experiences shaped his global outlook and language proficiency, which became assets in his career as an idol.

8. Chou Tzuyu (TWICE)

Chou Tzuyu debuted with TWICE in 2015 under JYP Entertainment and has since become one of the most well-known Taiwanese K-pop idols. As the group’s visual, Tzuyu has contributed significantly to TWICE’s popularity in East Asia and beyond.

Tzuyu’s parents are successful entrepreneurs in Taiwan, owning a chain of dermatology clinics. Their financial stability enabled Tzuyu to pursue training in South Korea without financial concerns, a significant advantage in the demanding idol industry.

9. Kim Ye-won (Umji) 

Umji debuted in 2015 as a member of GFRIEND under Source Music. She was known as the group’s youngest member and contributed to their success with her vocal abilities. After GFRIEND’s disbandment in 2021, she continued her music career.

Umji’s father is the CEO of a major dental corporation in South Korea. Her family’s wealth provided her with access to high-quality education and resources, helping her prepare for her debut as an idol.

10. Mark Lee (SuperM)

Mark debuted in 2016 as part of NCT under SM Entertainment and later became a member of SuperM in 2019. As an active member in multiple subunits, Mark is a prominent figure in the K-pop industry.

Mark was born in Canada to a financially stable family. His father’s career in business ensured that Mark grew up in a secure environment, allowing him to focus on music and academics before relocating to South Korea to train and debut as an idol.

These idols, while born into privilege, have pursued careers in the competitive K-pop industry with talent and dedication. Their financial stability may have eased their paths, but their success is the result of their hard work and commitment.