Lee Pil Mo, the 1.83‑meter‑tall heartthrob best known for his roles in Korean prime‑time dramas, has sparked heated debate after being accused of marrying into wealth following a whirlwind romance. The actor, born in 1976, rose to fame through hit series such as Dae Jang Geum, You Are My Destiny, My Too Perfect Sons, Pinocchio, and School 2015. While his acting career has been widely praised, his marriage has recently drawn intense public scrutiny.
On the evening of January 6, Korean media outlet Segye reported that Lee Pil Mo was being labeled a so‑called “gold digger husband” a term used to describe men allegedly living off their wealthy wives. The rumors stemmed from claims that his wife, Seo Soo Yeon, comes from an affluent, 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 doctoral degree, fueling assumptions about her privileged background.
Public suspicion deepened due to the couple’s rapid marriage, which took place after only three months of dating. After tying the knot, they reportedly moved into a luxurious 232‑square‑meter villa, leading many to conclude that Lee Pil Mo rushed into marriage after discovering his girlfriend was a wealthy heiress.
Facing mounting speculation, Lee Pil Mo finally addressed the controversy during his appearance on MBC’s Radio Star. He firmly denied all claims, clarifying that his wife comes from an ordinary family and is not a chaebol heiress. He also stated that the upscale home they live in was purchased with his own earnings, not his wife’s family wealth.
The actor further explained misunderstandings surrounding his wife’s background, 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 assumed it was because she was born into a wealthy family, but it was my decision. I saw how costly it was—places usually used by chaebol families but I thought, ‘Isn’t this why I work hard?’ So I chose it for her. I also prepared premium wedding gifts so 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 has 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 Taste of Love, and the couple married in February 2019. Six months later, they welcomed their first son, followed by the birth of their second son in August 2022.
Sources: K14