Esther Lyuh buys Kangnam house for longtime housekeeper

Family physician and entrepreneur Esther Lyuh has revealed that she gifted a house to the housekeeper who has cared for her daily life for over 10 years. The gesture has drawn significant attention, as it was a way to repay a bond that has lasted over a decade, transcending a simple employment relationship to become like family.

On the MBC variety program 'Radio Star' broadcast on the 19th, Hye-Gul Hong, Haha, Park Young-jin, and Heo Ki Shibaseki appeared to share various stories. During the episode, Hong shared an anecdote about the housekeeper who has been a constant presence in their family for a long time while providing updates on his wife, Lyuh.

While discussing Lyuh's recent condition, Hong noted, "While we were talking, the lady brought over a corn," to which Kim GuRa reacted, "No matter what we talk about, that lady always appears, so she seems like a main character."

Hong explained the importance of the housekeeper to Lyuh, stating, "She takes care of everything for my wife." He drew laughter by revealing that Lyuh often says, "She is someone I must serve for the rest of my life. Perhaps she is more important than you."

However, the story went beyond a simple expression of gratitude.

Hong revealed, "It went so far that my wife even bought a house for her. Right next door. That's how much it is." When Haha asked, "I'm sorry, but is it in Kangnam?" in response to the unexpected scale of the reward, Hong replied, "Yes."

The trust built through living together for over 10 years eventually led to gifting a residential space.

The reason Lyuh regards this housekeeper so specially is because she has meticulously cared for her life for a long time. Explaining that the two have lived together for over 10 years, Hong introduced a particularly moving anecdote.

He shared that one day, the housekeeper brought corn, and he noticed a different side of Lyuh. "My wife was cracking the corn open. It was unbelievable. With her slender hands, she can't even open a lid, but she devoured one and asked for another," Hong said, describing the scene.

He continued, "I felt like tears were coming out. How did my wife change so much? I am so happy."

While Hong's story seems like a simple daily episode, it contains the special meaning the housekeeper holds in Lyuh's life. Because she is someone who closely watched over Lyuh's health issues and life's difficulties while providing practical help, Lyuh did not view this as a mere employment relationship.

Lyuh is a figure known to the public as a physician and has also built a significant economic foundation as an entrepreneur. A graduate of Seoul National University College of Medicine, she expanded her health functional food business after practicing as a specialist and is currently a business leader heading related companies.

While larger economic success often leads to relationships based on interest, this case is unique in that she expressed trust by sharing significant assets with someone who has watched over her life for a long time.

In particular, what is more noteworthy than the fact that she 'bought a house' is Lyuh's perception of the housekeeper. According to Hong, rather than seeing her simply as someone in charge of housework, Lyuh accepts her as an important companion who helps maintain her quality of life.

In modern society, domestic labor is often treated as invisible or is not sufficiently valued economically. However, the role of being responsible for someone's meals, living, and daily care over a long period is vital labor that determines an individual's quality of life. Lyuh's case is meaningful as an instance of expressing gratitude for this invisible care labor in a way that goes far beyond economic compensation.

The relationship between the couple, Hong and Lyuh, has also spanned a long time. The two met as seniors and juniors at Seoul National University College of Medicine, married in 1994, and have two sons. Starting from the medical field, the two expanded their activities through broadcasting and business, becoming a couple familiar to the public.

In particular, Lyuh has built a unique domain by combining health-related content and business based on her expertise as a doctor. She has also expanded her dual identity as a medical professional and a CEO leading a health functional food business that records significant sales.

In Lyuh's life, the housekeeper who has cared for her daily life for over 10 years seems to have been more like a member of a living community than a mere assistant. Hong's description of her as "someone I must serve for the rest of my life" reflects the depth of that relationship.

Ultimately, more important than the luxury of a house in Kangnam is the value of the time shared. There was someone who attended to daily meals, housework, and small inconveniences, and there was someone who remembered that time and repaid it in her own way. The reason Lyuh's "Kangnam house flex" became a hot topic is not just because of the scale of the gift.

In that the trust built over 10 years returned as a reward for a person's life, this story shows a different side of the "big gifts" often seen in the entertainment industry.