Kim Woo-bin Faces Mixed Reactions from BTS Fans
BTS fans are showing disappointment as Kim Woo-bin purchased the former headquarters of BigHit Entertainment (now HYBE).
According to real estate industry reports, Kim Woo-bin completed the purchase of a building in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul on March 29 and finalized the payment on April 11.
The building, which includes one basement floor, four above-ground floors, and two underground floors, was sold for 13.7 billion won (nearly 10 million USD). Kim Woo-bin paid approximately 8.3 billion won in cash, took out an unsecured bank loan of about 6.2 billion won, and paid a purchase tax of 4.6%.
BigHit, the agency of BTS, used this building as an office from 2007 until expanding to a nearby building in 2011. In 2020, the company rebranded to HYBE and moved to its current headquarters in Yongsan. The building holds significant memories for BTS, from their trainee days through their rise to fame.
The BTS fan community (ARMY) expressed regret over the sale, as the building holds many cherished memories and has been a “must-visit” location for fans visiting South Korea.
Consequently, Kim Woo-bin received mixed reactions from ARMY, who were concerned that the building might be renovated, erasing the messages and notes left by fans over the years. It is known that so far, the actor has not yet announced his plans for the building.
Kim Jae Young, head of the real estate company Building Road, commented, “The building that Kim Woo-bin purchased is in a prime location, frequently targeted by celebrities and entertainment companies. At 13.7 billion won, this seems like a well-calculated smart investment.”
Besides this building, Kim Woo-bin also owns a house in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul. He purchased the house in June 2008 for 1.52 billion KRW (about 1.1 million USD) and currently resides there.
Source: K14
