Lee Pil Mo, the 1.83m tall heartthrob best known for his roles in primetime Korean dramas, has sparked a heated debate after he was accused of marrying a rich person following a whirlwind romance. The actor, born in 1976, became famous thanks to successful series such as Dake Gums, You are my destiny, My children are too perfect, PinocchioAND School 2015. Although his acting career has been widely praised, his marriage has recently attracted intense public scrutiny.
On the evening of January 6, Korean media Segye reported that Lee Pil Mo had been labeled a so-called “gold digger husband” a term used to describe men who supposedly live off their wealthy wives. The rumors stemmed from the fact that his wife, Seo Soo Yeon, came from a wealthy and elite family. According to speculation, Seo Soo Yeon became the owner of a high-end restaurant in Cheongdam, Gangnam, at just 31 years old and was also pursuing a doctorate, fueling speculation about her privileged background.
Public suspicion has deepened due to the couple’s quick marriage, which occurred after just three months of dating. After getting married, they reportedly moved into a luxurious 232-square-meter mansion, leading many to conclude that Lee Pil Mo had rushed into marriage after discovering that his girlfriend was a wealthy heiress.
Facing growing speculation, Lee Pil Mo finally addressed the controversy during his appearance on MBC Radio star. He strongly denied all the claims, clarifying that his wife comes from an ordinary family and is not a chaebol heiress. He also claimed that the luxury home they live in was purchased with his earnings, not his wife’s family’s wealth.
The actor further explained the misconceptions regarding his wife’s past, sharing an example from when she gave birth to their first child. “She stayed at one of the most expensive postpartum care centers in Korea,” he said. “People thought it was because she was born into a wealthy family, but it was my decision. I saw how expensive it was: places usually used by chaebol families, but I thought, ‘Isn’t that why I work hard?’ So I chose it for her. I also prepared premium wedding gifts so that my wife would never feel inferior to anyone.”
Lee Pil Mo’s comments have divided public opinion. Many netizens sympathized with the actor, expressing frustration that he had been misunderstood for years. Others, however, remain skeptical, suggesting he may be downplaying his wife’s family background to protect his own reputation.
Lee Pil Mo met Seo Soo Yeon through the dating program Flavor of loveand the couple married in February 2019. Six months later, they welcomed their first child, followed by the birth of their second child in August 2022.
Sources: K14
