Actor Koo Seong-hwan (44), embroiled in controversy over building ownership, confirmed that he is indeed the owner of the villa located in Gangdong District, Seoul, where he resides.
Koo Seong-hwan gained attention by appearing on MBC's reality show "Home Alone," showcasing his life on the rooftop of the villa. Footage showed him personally conducting waterproofing work on the roof and wallpapering the bedroom due to leak damage.
However, after the broadcast, some questioned, "Why does he do it himself when he can entrust the work to the landlord?" As it became known that the villa was a property inherited from his father, controversy arose regarding whether he was engaging in 'poor cosplay.'
In response, Koo Seong-hwan said via YouTube on the 12th, "There has been ongoing controversy regarding the landlord and building owner every time I appear on the show. This building is indeed my father's. I received it as a gift in 2022. Naturally, I paid the gift tax then. I was hesitant to share my past and personal story on the show, so I kept it vague; I never expected it would escalate like this."
He noted, "I am managing the rooftop because my father's health is not good. It's not true that there are several buildings. It's an old family home that was converted into a villa," adding, "I regularly pay monthly rent to my father."
He continued, "I have never pretended to be poor on the show. The actual size is 18 pyeong. If you include outside, it's about 20 pyeong," and added, "Why would I need to pretend to be poor? I also spend money while filming, eat meals, and enjoy myself, so I've never once acted poor."
Koo Seong-hwan debuted in 2004 with the film "Low-Life," and has appeared in "The Fighter of Wind," the drama "Designated Survivor," "Stove League," and "Jirisan." He has recently gained renewed attention for his appearance on "Home Alone."