“Even if they earn a lot, they won't spend it on others!” A recent Korean online poll asked users to vote for the “celebrity least likely to spend money on those around them.” Singer Kim Jong-kook (김종국) took first place, with 87-year-old veteran actress Jeon Won-ju (전원주) and former basketball player Seo Jang-hoon (서장훈) ranking second and third, respectively. Popular girl group IVE member Jang Won-young (장원영) and Super Junior member Kyuhyun (규현) also landed in the top ranks.
The Korean forum DC Inside launched the poll, titled “Celebrities who, no matter how much money they make, seem unlikely to spend a dime on those around them,” attracting 7,506 participants. Kim Jong-kook received 1,214 votes, or 16% of the total, making him the “number one penny-pincher” in the eyes of netizens.
Beyond his singing career, Kim Jong-kook is a long-standing fixture in Korean variety shows and is known for his frugal private life. He rarely spends money on unnecessary purchases, instead focusing on exercise and self-management. He has also shared his financial management strategies on television, revealing that he saves most of his income.
In second place was 87-year-old Jeon Won-ju, who closely followed with 1,126 votes, or 15% of the total. She has appeared in works such as “Hyo-shim’s Independent Life” (효심이네 각자도생) and her real-life frugality often becomes a topic of discussion on variety shows, earning her the title of “financial expert” from Korean media.
Jeon Won-ju has publicly shared her frugal lifestyle on multiple occasions. She also revealed that she bought SK Hynix stock in 2011 and has held onto it ever since, demonstrating her long-term investment vision. Korean media previously reported that she had accumulated approximately 3 billion Korean won (about 70 million New Taiwan Dollars) in assets, and her story of building wealth through thrift and investment has garnered significant attention.
Taking third place was Seo Jang-hoon, who received 650 votes, or 9% of the total. After transitioning from a basketball player to an entertainer, he frequently shares his consumption and financial views on variety shows. Known for his direct and practical approach, he often offers sharp advice on money and life issues.
IVE's Jang Won-young also made it into the top ranks of the poll, drawing attention from netizens alongside comedian Im Woo-il (임우일) and Super Junior's Kyuhyun. Jang Won-young is known for her disciplined image, with strict demands on her diet, lifestyle, and work. As a result, netizens consider her one of the representatives of those “who don't spend money carelessly.”
Kyuhyun's level of saving once even impressed Kim Jong-kook. He revealed on a past show that while Kim Jong-kook spends about 900,000 Korean won (approximately 20,000 New Taiwan Dollars) on his credit card each month, he himself spends less than 500,000 Korean won (approximately 10,000 New Taiwan Dollars), a surprisingly large difference.
Kyuhyun also shared his clothing shopping habits, revealing that he now buys clothes directly online. A single shirt costs about 15,000 Korean won (approximately 350 New Taiwan Dollars), and if he likes a style, he will buy it in five different colors at once. He even uses the same clothes for his gym attire.
The poll results sparked discussion among Korean netizens, with many curious about the celebrities' individual spending habits and financial management styles. Some even joked, “Having money and knowing how to spend it are two completely different things.”
