Han Chae-young, often dubbed the “original Barbie doll” of Korean entertainment, has long captivated fans not only with her beauty and acting talent, but also with her fairytale-like love story—one that continues to make headlines years later.
Recently, iHQ’s show “Secret NewsRoom” revisited her dazzling real-life romance, drawing comparisons between the actress and her on-screen role in MBN’s drama “Sponsor,” where she portrayed Han Chae-rin, a wealthy and successful CEO.
On the show, reporter Kim Tae-jin and broadcaster LJ noted that both Han Chae-rin and Han Chae-young share an aura of affluence. In real life, Han Chae-young’s generosity and wealth were evident when she reportedly paid for her manager’s entire lease deposit, furniture, and food. The program also revisited one of the most extravagant proposals in Korean celebrity history—a romantic gesture that still stirs envy and admiration alike.
Often referred to as the “7.7 billion KRW proposal,” Han Chae-young’s now-famous engagement included a 500 million KRW diamond ring, a luxury foreign car worth over 200 million KRW, and a lavish newlywed apartment in Cheongdam-dong valued at 7 billion KRW. The proposal itself was cinematic—when the car trunk opened, balloons floated out to reveal a ring case inside, creating a moment straight from a movie.
The man behind this grand gesture is Han Chae-young’s husband, Choi Dong-joon, a former actor turned businessman. Four years her senior, Choi Dong-joon studied business at UC Berkeley and now leads a company, with his family being regarded as part of Korea’s financial elite. The couple first met at a gathering in 1998 and maintained a close friendship for eight years before beginning to date and eventually tying the knot in 2007.
During the proposal, Choi Dong-joon reportedly said, “What’s there to spare when marrying the most beautiful bride in the world? Just seeing Chae-young smile is more than enough,” a heartfelt statement that melted hearts across the country.
Han Chae-young’s wedding ring was a 5-carat diamond piece from luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co., and their newlywed home spanned 158 pyeong in one of Seoul’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Their union, dubbed the epitome of romance and luxury, still sparks conversation on variety shows and online forums alike.
Now in their 18th year of marriage, Han Chae-young recently gave fans a glimpse into her life via Instagram. Appearing radiant in a pink tweed jacket and white mini skirt under spring sunlight, she stunned fans with her ageless beauty and graceful presence at 44. Laughing about her iconic proposal, Han Chae-young said, “Now that we’ve been married 18 years, it feels like living with a best friend. Talking about the proposal makes me a bit embarrassed.”
Their son, Jae-ho, born in 2013, is now 11, and Han Chae-young has stated that spending time with him is her top priority. Even as she balances motherhood and acting, she continues to impress on screen. Most recently, she starred as entertainment CEO Moon Jung-in in the KBS2 drama “Scandal,” which aired its finale last November.
Whether in fiction or real life, Han Chae-young continues to embody elegance, strength, and enduring star power—making her not only a beloved actress but also an icon of lasting love and glamor.
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