Former Wonder Girls Member Confesses How Little Money She Saved Since Her Debut as an Idol

On a recent episode of MBC’s Don’t Be Jealous, former Wonder Girls member, Hyelim, and her boyfriend, Shin Min Chul discussed finances while preparing for their wedding.

During a discussion about savings, Shin Min Chul revealed that he had between 200 to 300 million won (~$167,000 to $250,000 USD) to contribute.

And in response, Hyelim honestly confessed how much she had saved up.

For the house I live in now, we each put it half each for the security deposit. I have around 150 million won (~$125,000 USD). If I add the money that’s tied up to the house, I have around 200 million won (~$167,000 USD).

– Hyelim

She then went on to open up about the stereotype people hold about idols and how it’s untrue.

Doesn’t it seem like I saved very little money compared to how long I was active as an idol? People think all idols are landlords, and although I’m an idol too, I hold that prejudice, too.

– Hyelim

She explained,

You might think that a former Wonder Girls member would have quite a few properties, but when the group was successful with ‘Tell Me’ and ‘Nobody’, I wasn’t in the group. I joined when Wonder Girls went through a hard time passing out flyers in America.

– Hyelim