Hyeri Faces Backlash Over Real Estate Investments; Netizens Compare to Ryu Jun-yeol’s Past Scandal

Hyeri is facing criticism for her real estate investments through shell companies. Many netizens are comparing her actions to Ryu Jun-yeol’s past property scandal. The controversy started after reports revealed her property deals in Seoul’s expensive Gangnam area.

According to News1, Hyeri owns two buildings in Gangnam. One is in Samseong and the other in Yeoksam. She bought these properties under family-run company names. This method of purchase has raised eyebrows among the public.

In August 2022, Hyeri purchased an old residential building in Samseong for 7.75 billion won. She tore it down and built a six-story commercial building. The new building has two underground floors. She is now looking for tenants with a 400 million won deposit and 30 million won monthly rent.

Real estate experts say Hyeri could make 3 billion won profit if she sells within three years. Her second property in Yeoksam was bought in 2020 for 4.39 billion won. After rebuilding, its value is now estimated over 10 billion won.

Some people defend Hyeri’s right to invest her money. Others criticize her for using legal loopholes. Setting up shell companies helps avoid higher taxes and gets better loan terms. These benefits are not available to ordinary people.

One netizen commented, “This is classic real estate speculation. Celebrities earn millions but still distort the housing market.” The criticism grew when others linked her actions to Ryu Jun-yeol’s past scandal.

Ryu Jun-yeol faced similar backlash in 2022. Dispatch reported he used a private company with his mother as the head. He bought land in Yeoksam, took corporate loans, and rebuilt it into a high-rise. His potential profit was estimated at 4 billion won after taxes.

His agency C-JeS Entertainment called it “just a business with friends.” The public did not accept this explanation. Now, Hyeri’s case has renewed discussions about celebrity real estate practices.

Hyeri has not responded to the criticism yet. The situation has damaged her public image. Many are questioning if this is a common tactic among celebrities. The debate also highlights wider issues about housing affordability.

South Korea has strict real estate laws. Using shell companies to buy property is legal but controversial. Critics argue it gives unfair advantages to the wealthy. Ordinary citizens struggle with high property prices and strict loan conditions.

This is not the first time celebrities have faced such accusations. The practice seems widespread in the entertainment industry. Public trust in celebrities decreases with each new scandal. Calls for legal reforms and tighter regulations are growing.

Hyeri’s case shows how quickly public opinion can change. She was recently praised for her acting and fashion work. Now, her business dealings have put her under scrutiny. The comparison to Ryu Jun-yeol adds another layer to the story.

The two actors dated for several years before breaking up in late 2024. Their relationship ended amid rumors involving Han So-hee. Now, their similar real estate strategies have become a talking point. Netizens are drawing parallels between their financial decisions.

Real estate speculation is a sensitive topic in South Korea. Housing prices in Seoul are among the highest in the world. Many young people find it impossible to buy homes. Celebrities making profits through property deals often face backlash.

Hyeri’s investments show how celebrities diversify their income. Acting jobs may not provide long-term financial security. Real estate offers stable returns in a strong market. However, the methods used can create public relations problems.

The controversy comes at a busy time for Hyeri. She recently became the first Korean actress on China’s Feng Shang Zhi magazine cover. Her fan meeting is scheduled for June 7 in Seoul. The real estate news has overshadowed these positive developments.

Industry experts say celebrities need better financial advice. Legal investments can still attract criticism if they seem unfair. The court of public opinion often differs from actual courts. Image management becomes crucial in such situations.

Ryu Jun-yeol’s career survived his real estate scandal. He continues to act in films and dramas. However, the incident remains part of his public profile. Hyeri may face similar long-term effects on her reputation.

The discussion goes beyond individual celebrities. It reflects broader societal issues about wealth and fairness. As housing becomes less affordable, public scrutiny of the wealthy increases. Celebrities represent visible examples of economic inequality.

South Korea’s government has tried to cool the housing market. Various regulations have been introduced in recent years. However, loopholes still exist for those with resources and knowledge. The system often favors the already privileged.

Hyeri’s case shows how complex celebrity finances can be. What seems like smart business to some appears greedy to others. The line between legal and ethical is not always clear. Public figures must navigate these gray areas carefully.

The entertainment industry has no clear rules about such investments. Some agencies advise stars to avoid controversy. Others focus solely on legal compliance. The lack of standards creates recurring problems.

This situation may prompt more discussion about celebrity finances. Fans want their idols to be successful but also ethical. Balancing these expectations is challenging. The Hyeri case provides another example of this tension.

Credits: K

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