Baek Ji Young explains why she avoided investing and her new interest in finance

Singer Baek Ji Young has candidly shared why she previously avoided active wealth management and the reasons behind her recent decision to begin studying investments. Although Baek is known to have a stable financial foundation, she expressed a strong desire to acquire financial literacy, noting, "I didn't feel a great need for it," but adding, "There is a difference between giving up because you don't know and choosing not to do something even though you do know."

Baek shared her thoughts on wealth management and investing in a video released on the 21st via her YouTube channel, 'Baek Z Young.' The video, titled 'Baek Ji Young's Actual Assets, Who Felt No Need for Wealth Management,' garnered significant attention.

During a conversation with an economic expert in the video, Baek drew attention by revealing, "I don't usually do any separate wealth management." In response, the expert jokingly remarked, "Just how financially comfortable do you have to be to not do wealth management? I'd rather learn how to reach a point where I don't have to do it."

However, Baek explained that she was not simply indifferent to investing. Recalling her past experience with the stock market, she stated, "In the past, I put in small amounts primarily in blue-chip stocks. I never suffered major losses, and at one point, my return was nearly close to 100%."

She continued, "During the COVID-19 period, as market conditions changed rapidly, I lost money on the two or three stocks I held and liquidated them all. Since then, I have stepped away from stocks."

Baek explained that her attitude toward investment was closer to "caution" than "indifference." Rather than chasing short-term profits, she has preferred economic management that aligns with her personality and lifestyle.

Her husband, Jung Seokwon, also shared his own investment experiences. He revealed, "I have no interest in stocks and don't know much about them," disclosing that he once invested based on a recommendation only to have the stock delisted.

Jung expressed a cautious stance, saying, "After that, I told my wife, 'Let's not do things like stocks and just use the money for good things instead.'"

However, following this broadcast, Jung's attitude showed signs of change. "I usually wasn't interested, but since I heard today's YouTube video would cover stock-related content, I even brought a notebook and writing utensils. I want to learn properly. My mind has changed a little," he said.

In response, Baek clarified, "It's not that it has completely changed," but added, "I still intend not to do it 90% of the time. However, there is a part of me that thinks about trying an investment that can be thought of like a savings account, where I can put money in for about 4 to 5 years without having to worry about it."

In particular, Baek emphasized the importance of information and understanding over the act of investing itself.

"I hate not being able to do something just because I don't know," she said. "There is a difference between knowing a little and choosing not to do it, and not being able to do it because you know nothing at all. That is why I came to learn."

This aligns with a growing trend in the Korean entertainment industry, where celebrities are increasingly seeking financial literacy and asset management skills beyond simple income generation. It reflects a shift where long-standing stars are prioritizing economic education to ensure stable future planning.

Revealing her economic views behind her glamorous image, Baek delivered the message that "It is more important how you understand and manage money than how much money you earn." Her remarks offered more than a simple investment story; they highlighted the value of knowledge when making economic decisions.