Actress Sa Mi-ja to sell Yongsan home, seeking independence

Actress Sa Mi-ja has revealed plans to move to a new home even at the age of 86. Having put her long-time residence in Yongsan, Seoul, up for sale, she expressed clear standards for her independent living space, stating, “I don't want to live with anyone, and I don't want to go to a small house.”

In a video uploaded to the YouTube channel 'Samija, Not Omija' on the 26th, Sa visited a shaman to ask about her fortune regarding the move. During the session, she mentioned that she recently put her Yongsan house on the market, saying, “I need to ask if there is any energy for moving.”

She noted, “Once the house is sold, I think I will feel very relieved,” but maintained a firm stance regarding the conditions for her new home. In particular, she drew laughter by saying, “I don't want to live with anyone, and I don't want to go to a small house. Why would anyone go to a small house when they are dying?”

This moment offers a glimpse into Sa's life philosophy: that reaching an advanced age is no reason to give up on housing quality or autonomy. Moving to a new environment after residing in one space for a long time can be a choice that redesigns one's very way of life, beyond a simple real estate transaction.

The production crew expressed regret, asking, “Yongsan is such a great area, why isn't it selling?” while her husband comforted her, saying, “If you just live without worrying about it, you will live a long life.”

Afterward, Sa asked the shaman when the house might be sold. The shaman predicted the possibility that the current house could be sold within this year and recommended a so-called 'forest-adjacent' area close to nature for her new residence.

The shaman even suggested a specific direction. Pointing to an area southeast of her current home, the shaman mentioned the Gwangjin-gu area. However, this was a personal reading provided by the shaman during the broadcast and does not mean that actual real estate transactions or moving plans have been finalized.

This is not the first time Sa has publicly mentioned housing issues. Having maintained a long career in acting, she has consistently shared her daily life with the public while balancing broadcasting activities and family life. In particular, her consideration of new environments and lifestyles even in her mid-80s resonates with social perceptions regarding housing choices for the elderly.

Having started her acting career in 1966, Sa is a veteran actress who has been active in the Korean broadcasting and theater industry for nearly 60 years. Having appeared in various dramas, films, and stage plays, she has established herself as a veteran actress and is highly regarded by the public due to her long career.

Married to Kim Kwan-soo and having two sons and one daughter, Sa turned 86 this year but continues to communicate with the public through broadcasting and YouTube.

In particular, her remark, “I don't want a small house,” cannot be viewed as a mere joke. As average life expectancy increases, living space for the elderly is recognized not just as a place to sleep, but as a core foundation of life that determines health, independence, privacy, and life satisfaction.

Sa has expressed her will to continue a comfortable and independent life in a space she desires, rather than shrinking her radius of life to match her age. As she hinted at the possibility of leaving Yongsan, interest continues to grow regarding where she will eventually settle.