After the death of the late actress Choi Jin Sil, rumors surrounding her inheritance have continued, drawing renewed attention to the actual state of her assets and the circumstances following her passing.
On March 5, the YouTuber Lee Jin Ho released a video titled, “Shocking Exclusive: ‘My grandmother took my money’—The Full Story of Choi Jin Sil’s 30 Billion KRW (20.3 million USD) Inheritance.” The video detailed the assets left behind after Choi Jin Sil’s death and the various costs incurred in the process. It revealed the truth behind the rumors that Choi Jin Sil had left a 300 billion KRW inheritance, which was proven to be false.
According to the video, when Choi Jin Sil passed away in 2008, her cash assets amounted to approximately 1.5 billion KRW. However, after her death, cash assets quickly diminished due to advertising contract penalties, related lawsuits, and comprehensive income taxes.
Indeed, following her death, significant expenses were incurred from contract penalties, legal fees, and taxes. In addition, living and education costs for her two children further depleted her cash reserves.
The main assets left behind were her home in Jamwon-dong, Seoul, and a separate officetel. These two properties were inherited 50/50 by her son Choi Hwan Hee and daughter Choi Jun Hee, and have remained unsold, currently being operated as rental properties. The monthly rental income from these properties is reported to be around 15 million KRW (approx. 10,127 USD).
Her children also inherited real estate from their late father, Jo Sung Min. The building and land were valued at approximately 2 billion KRW, and during the sale process, taxes and other fees were incurred. The remaining proceeds were reportedly divided equally between the two siblings.
Regarding this, maternal grandmother Jeong Ok Sook stated, “Inheritance doesn’t just bring money; it also comes with debts and lawsuits. Raising the children while handling taxes and various costs wasn’t easy,” reflecting on the situation at the time.
After Choi Jin Sil’s passing, her two children were raised under the care of their grandmother. Jeong said, “I thought the children’s future was more important than money. No matter the circumstances, I was determined to see their education through to the end.”
Even years after she died in 2008, Choi Jin Sil remains in the public memory. Recent news of her daughter Choi Jun Hee’s marriage has once again brought attention to the family’s history.
SHARE
