How K-pop genius Rain and wife Kim Tae-hee became Korea’s richest celebrity couple – Gucci deals, K-drama smashes and reams of real estate

Dec 14 , 2020

Rain – K-pop and K-drama star, top-paid brand ambassador and entrepreneur. Photo: @rain_oppa/Instagram

Whether through his TikTok dance covers or meeting with Twice to learn the dance for I Can‘t Stop Me, K-pop star Rain has been a ray of sunshine for hallyu fans this year.

He was recently named one of GQ Korea’s men of the year – in addition to other stars like Henry and Lee Dong-wook – in recognition of his lasting influence in variety shows, music and even on social media platforms. The star, who began his career in 1998, is also one of Korea’s richest celebrities with an estimated net worth of US$49 million, according to Korean entertainment news website Kdrama Stars.

Here’s what we know about the hit-making singer, dancer, producer, label boss, Hollywood actor and husband’s wealth and how he spends it.

He and wife Kim Tae-hee are a rich power couple

When Rain and top actress Kim Tae-hee wed in 2017, their union was the talk of the town. Not only were they Korea‘s hottest stars who looked good together, they both just happen to be on the richest celebrities list!

Together, they took the number one spot as Korea’s richest couple ever. According to a 2017 report on Koreaboo, the couple’s combined properties are estimated to be worth US$43 million. A couple of high-valued properties they own are a villa worth US$11.1 million and a building worth US$22.2 million, both located in the upscale Cheongdam-dong in Seoul.

That was just the beginning – last month Singapore newspaper Today also noted their recent purchase of a US$2 million residence in California, bringing the couple’s combined property ownership up to about US$73.4 million, making them the country’s richest celebrity couple.

Before they got married, the two already made smart investments by purchasing buildings and renting out the units. And this is all on top of what they each earn from singing and acting projects as well as endorsements!

He’s an entrepreneur

Rain has always been a go-getter entrepreneur. He launched his own clothing line Six to Five in 2008, offering casual clothes that reflected his bold and edgy style.

He also founded his own entertainment agency – twice. He set up record label J. Tune Entertainment in 2007, with JYP founder and CEO Park Jin-young as one of its biggest investors. (JYP is the agency that Rain debuted with.) The two agencies eventually merged. Rain launched another agency in 2015 called R.A.I.N. Company.

Of course, he’s a hallyu superstar

Rain performing on stage. Photo: R.A.I.N. Company

Rain enjoyed widespread fame following the 2004 K-drama Full House. His lead role in the series made him an instant star not only in Korea but across Asia, particularly in China, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines. His global celebrity status was further cemented by his Hollywood debut in the 2008 film Speed Racer followed by Ninja Assassin in 2009.

Rain is also one of Korea’s highest paid stars when it comes to endorsements as the muse of designer brands such as Gucci.

This year, on the MBC reality show Hangout with Yoo, Rain surprised fans by forming a supergroup called SSAK3 with Lee Hyo-ri from girl group Fin. K. L. and comedian Yoo Jae-suk. Although originally intended to be a tongue-in-cheek, one-off project, the popularity of its nostalgic 90s music exploded. According to Korea Times, all proceeds from SSAK3 album sales are to be donated to charity.

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K-pop idols

Rain spent his 2020 hanging with Twice, dancing on TikTok and forming supergroup SSAK3 with Lee Hyori and Yoo Jae-suk on MBC reality show Hangout with Yoo – and donating all the proceeds to charity