In July 2023, Choi Joon-hee claimed on social media that conflict with her maternal grandmother began when her share of the inheritance was allegedly touched while she was still a minor. She emphasized at the time that the issue was not about money but about broken trust due to what she described as “misappropriation,” sparking public debate.
Following the statement, various rumors spread online, including claims that Choi Jin-sil had left behind assets worth over 20 billion won (around $15 million) and even speculation that the inheritance could reach 30 billion won.
In 2025, Choi Joon-hee addressed the topic again during a Q&A session on her personal YouTube channel. While discussing her future goals, she revealed that her dream was to eventually move to the United States, saying that if her modeling work and businesses succeed, she hopes to immigrate to New York City.
During the video, she openly addressed the public perception about her finances. “To be honest, many people think I must have a lot of money thanks to my parents,” she said. “But that’s not true at all. I also receive a salary like everyone else.” Her remarks were widely interpreted as a denial of rumors claiming she had inherited billions of won.
However, those past statements are now being revisited after Choi Jin-sil’s mother recently spoke out with a different perspective.
The issue resurfaced through a video published on the YouTube channel run by journalist Lee Jin-ho. The video features an interview with Choi Jin-sil’s mother, who addressed rumors circulating online about a supposed 30-billion-won inheritance. She stated that she wanted to correct information that she believed was inaccurate.
According to her explanation, the late actress had about 1.5 billion won in cash assets at the time of her death. However, after her passing, various costs including advertising penalty fees, legal expenses, and income taxes quickly reduced those funds.
She added that the main assets left behind were two properties: a house in Seoul’s Jamwon-dong and an officetel. These properties were inherited equally by Choi Jin-sil’s son Choi Hwan-hee and daughter Choi Joon-hee, each receiving a 50 percent share. The grandmother stated that she herself holds no ownership stake in the properties and that her intention was always for the assets to pass directly to her grandchildren.
The properties are currently being operated as rental units, reportedly generating around 15 million won in monthly income, which is divided between the siblings.
In addition, there was property left by their father, the late baseball player Cho Sung-min. The land and building were reportedly worth around 2 billion won, but much of the value was consumed by taxes and related costs during the liquidation process. After those expenses, about 1 billion won remained and was divided equally between the two children.
With conflicting accounts now emerging, the gap between Choi Joon-hee’s previous statements and her grandmother’s explanation has drawn renewed public attention. As a result, debate over the late Choi Jin-sil’s estate has once again returned to the spotlight.
Sources: Nate
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