87-Year-Old Active Actress Jeon Won-joo: "I Want to Spend Money on Myself Now"

Veteran actress Jeon Won-joo has drawn attention by personally experiencing a high-end luxury senior town as she prepares for a new second half of her life. As a veteran actress who has provided laughter and emotion to the public her entire life, her new values and honest attitude toward aging are sparking social interest in 'dignified old age' beyond simple housing choices.

On the YouTube channel 'Jeon Won-ju In-gong' released on the 30th, a video titled 'Deposit Only Billions! Jeon Won-joo Enters Ultra-Luxury Silver Town!' was released. On this day, Jeon Won-joo visited the site after expressing curiosity about the convenient living system of the silver town she heard about through acquaintances.

"People around me said the silver town is so good. They said they cook meals, do laundry, and even take you to the hospital if you are sick, so I was curious," Jeon Won-joo said, showing interest. She then caught attention by stating, "The price doesn't matter. Now, I want to live while spending a lot of money on myself."

This moment also demonstrates a generational shift where the generation that has dedicated their lives to family and those around them now views their own quality of life and happiness as important values. It reflects a new lifestyle that pursues health, leisure, and cultural satisfaction, moving away from the traditional way of life for the elderly characterized by 'frugality and sacrifice.'

The high-end silver town visited by Jeon Won-joo looked quite different from the existing image of a 'nursing space for the elderly.' After touring the interior and amenities that reminded her of a luxury hotel, she repeatedly exclaimed, "I was interested in this place," and "It feels like a hotel."

In particular, the 38-pyeong sample room located on a high floor caught the eye with its wide view and sophisticated spatial composition. Looking at the scenery overlooking the Han River, Jeon Won-joo expressed her surprise, saying, "When I thought of a silver town, I imagined a place like a house in the countryside, but it feels like I've entered a complete hotel."

The silver town was composed of a complex life-care facility that considers the health management and social interaction of its residents beyond simple residential space. It featured medical and safety management services such as systems prepared for emergencies, 24-hour nursing staff on standby, and fall prevention programs, as well as various cultural and leisure facilities including a movie theater, cafe, club spaces, fitness facilities, a spa, and a golf driving range.

This aligns with the 'Active Senior' culture that has emerged in Korean society as it enters an aging society. The desire of the elderly to not just live long, but to enjoy life healthily and actively, is being reflected in housing forms.

However, as expected of a top-tier facility, the cost was also significant. During the consultation process, Jeon Won-joo was told that the deposit is 1 billion won, with a minimum monthly living expense of 5 million won per person and 5.4 million won for two people. Despite this, she showed an active intention to move in by saying, "Bring the contract," without hesitation.

However, upon hearing that there is currently a waiting list of about 80 people and that it takes an average of 6 months to a year to move in, Jeon Won-joo brought laughter with her characteristic honest wit.

"We don't have much time left to live, so what am I supposed to do if I have to wait a year? I am heading toward 90, are you telling me to move in when I die?" she expressed her regret. She then made the atmosphere on-site pleasant by asking, "Please do it quickly considering my face," while proceeding with the reservation.

Born in 1939 and 87 years old this year, Jeon Won-joo is a representative veteran entertainer who has been loved by the public for a long time, moving between stages and broadcasts. This visit to the silver town adds meaning as a process where an actress who has lived through an era designs her own old age beyond mere curiosity.

Jeon Won-joo's appearance, still contemplating new ways of life even after a brilliant career, conveys the message that 'even as you age, you are the master of your own life,' evoking empathy and interest from many people.