BTOB's Lee Chang-sub reveals why he bought a house with no profit potential

BTOB's Lee Chang-sub has revealed the heartfelt reason behind his purchase of a home that offers little in the way of capital gains. Rather than seeking investment value, he chose the property because it was the 'dream house' he had envisioned since middle school. Owning the space he once admired as a child through his own hard work adds a profound layer of meaning to the purchase.

On the 13th, Lee appeared on the 'Life of Lee Chang-sub' episode of the YouTube channel 'Life84,' where he shared glimpses of his daily life in Suwon and his home. Currently living in Suwon and running a practical music academy, he discussed housing and personal assets while touring the residence with entertainer Kian84.

During the tour, Kian84 asked, "You bought this house. Has the price gone up at all?" While it was a standard question regarding real estate trends, Lee's response was unexpected. He stated firmly, "This house won't go up."

When Kian84 pressed him on why he bought it if there was no profit to be made, Lee offered a candid explanation. The property was not a strategic real estate move based on market value or future appreciation; it was a place imbued with a dream he had harbored since his youth.

Lee explained that the house belonged to his uncle when he was in middle school, reminiscing, "That was the first time I saw a residential-commercial complex. Back then, I was living in a mansion." He continued, "I told myself that once I grew up and became successful, I would buy my uncle's house." He revealed that he eventually fulfilled that childhood promise by purchasing the home from his uncle.

This choice stands in stark contrast to typical real estate logic. While most buyers prioritize location, development potential, and price appreciation, Lee's valuation of the home was not tied to numerical growth. His childhood admiration for the complex and his modest goal to one day own it led to actual ownership decades later.

Hearing Lee's story, Kian84 recalled his own childhood 'dream house.' "My dream house was Dongtan Metapolis," he said. "I didn't have the money to buy it, so I lived there on a lease for a year, and it was great."

Lee jokingly responded, "Can't you just buy an entire Metapolis building now?"

Taken aback by the cheeky remark, Kian84 reacted with surprise, asking, "What are you talking about? You're the one with the money. How much do you actually have? Let's stop talking about obvious things and get to the point. How much do you have?" drawing laughter from the group.

The broadcast also touched upon Lee's journey to becoming a singer. Although he has built a successful career as a member of BTOB, a solo artist, and a musical actor, music was not his original career path.

Lee revealed that he dreamed of becoming a professional skateboarder during his second year of middle school. "I rode like crazy. I wanted to be a pro," he recalled. However, during his second year of high school, he suffered repeated ankle injuries, eventually discovering that a bone had broken and become embedded in his muscle. He confessed that he eventually gave up the sport, thinking, "I guess this isn't my path."

His connection to music began through his mother's suggestion. Seeing that her son showed little interest in traditional studies, she suggested he try learning the drums. Lee replied, "If I'm going to learn the drums, I'll learn singing too." The vocal lessons he started as a byproduct unexpectedly suited his natural aptitude.

"I learned singing, and it fit my aptitude incredibly well," he said. The music he stumbled into unexpectedly became the turning point of his life, providing the foundation for his work with BTOB, his solo career, and his performances on musical stages.

Lee's 52-pyeong house is closely tied to this life trajectory. The promise to turn a childhood object of admiration into his own reality has finally been fulfilled. This is why he feels no regret about the purchase, even while acknowledging the lack of market appreciation.

Ultimately, for Lee, the house is less an investment and more a personal milestone—the realization of "something he wanted to have once he became successful." Regardless of real estate fluctuations, the home represents the physical manifestation of his growth, memories, and a childhood promise kept.

While celebrity real estate news often focuses on luxury investments and wealth accumulation, Lee's story highlights that the value of a home is not always determined by its price tag. By turning a childhood dream into reality through his own efforts, the house has become much more than just a place to live.