3rd Generation Boy Group Member Confirms His Rich Family Background
BTOB‘s Yook Sungjae revealed that his family made their money off a surprising source — fish! On a May 25, 2025 episode of TV CHOSUN’s Baekban Journey with Heo Young Man, the singer-turned-actor joined veteran cartoonist Heo Young Man on a culinary trip to Chuncheon, where the two shared stories, meals, and a love for nature.
The pair visited Chuncheon Lake, a well-known spot for freshwater fishing. Sungjae brought up his avid love for fishing as an amateur angler himself. He gushed about his hobby.
“I really enjoy fishing, especially freshwater fishing. I heard there are a few great fishing points around here. But freshwater fish tend to have a strong smell, so I couldn’t bring myself to eat them.”
The conversation also touched on the challenges of pursuing hobbies while managing a busy idol schedule. Heo Young Man asked whether Sungjae had time to travel often, given his group activities. Yook responded that he actually still manages to go on trips with his fellow idol friends. He maintains close friendships with groups from his generation.
“I still manage to go on trips with friends from the idol scene, like Boyfriend and Teen Top. We go to places like this with good fishing spots. Even if they’re not into fishing, I’m so obsessed that I just drag them along.”
Sungjae also shared a personal story that cemented his connection to the hobby. Through this connection, it was speculated that his family made their riches through this unique and lucrative method. Sungjae revealed that his grandfather was the first Korean to import koi from Japan. Koi fish are usually worth hundreds or thousands, and can be sold off for high prices. His grandfather ran an import business. Not forgetting his roots, he also donated koi to Korea.
“My grandfather used to run a fishing site when he was alive. He was actually the first to import koi from Japan, raised them, and donated them to the country. What started as a fish farm eventually expanded into a full fishing site.”
It was also previously revealed in 2020 that his father, who is the CEO of an IT company in South Korea, had made a total revenue of over ₩10.0 billion KRW (about $7.32 million USD) then. Looks like its generational wealth for the Yooks! Sungjae continues the legacy with his successful career as a singer and actor.
