Hwang Jae-gyun reveals luxury Han River home and 1.5 million won electricity bill

Former baseball player turned entertainer Hwang Jae-gyun has revealed his luxurious residence featuring a stunning view of the Han River. His personal tastes, cultivated throughout his professional athletic career, are evident throughout the home—ranging from figures, Lego, and championship trophies to premium whiskey and a limited edition motorcycle. Notably, his ice refrigerator, which he eventually stopped using due to a monthly electricity bill reaching 1.5 million won, drew laughter from viewers.

On the 4th, Hwang introduced his current home through a video titled 'I tried doing what everyone else does: revealing my house' on his YouTube channel 'Illu Hwang.'

The residence comprises a bedroom, living room, kitchen, dressing room, guest room, and a walk-in closet. The most striking feature is the unobstructed view of the Han River visible from the interior. The home offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Hwang, who built a significant financial foundation during his long career as an athlete.

However, the true character of the house lies in its interior rather than the spectacular view. Figures, Lego, comic books, and shoes are displayed throughout, alongside the championship trophies he earned as a baseball player. Rather than a simple interior design, the space resembles a personal museum capturing his career and interests.

Notably, a limited edition motorcycle belonging to singer Justin Bieber is displayed in a corner of the living room. Additionally, a liquor refrigerator covering an entire wall is packed with various whiskeys that Hwang has collected over the years. The space reveals not only the trophies and high-end items common in a sports star's home but also his specific collecting passions.

A safe was also located in the bedroom. Hwang explained, "Contracts or money are inside the safe." When the production crew expressed concern that its location might be revealed on camera, he joked, "If this disappears, I'm reporting the PD. Everyone is watching this at Gwangjin Police Station," bringing laughter to the set.

The most unexpected item was the ice refrigerator. Hwang explained that having pushed his body to the limit during his playing days, he used to take ice baths to soothe pain and inflammation after training. He purchased a refrigerator specifically to facilitate daily ice baths, but the maintenance costs proved problematic.

"I really bought it to do it every day. I really did it every day, but the electricity bill came out to 1.5 million won," Hwang revealed, noting the cost was due to running the unit constantly. Ultimately, unable to bear the expense, he unplugged it. The production crew burst into laughter at his comment: "From then on, the electricity bill dropped significantly. Since then, it has become a decorative item."

The interior of the refrigerator offered another surprise. Despite living alone, the home is well-stocked with fresh ingredients and various side dishes, and the kitchen remains relatively organized. Even within a space filled with flashy collectibles and expensive items, the practical aspects of a lived-in home are evident.

Hwang began his professional baseball career after joining the Hyundai Unicorns in 2006, later playing for the Lotte Giants, the MLB's San Francisco Giants, and the KT Wiz. He is best remembered as one of the key figures who led the KT Wiz to their first Korea Series championship in 2021. This history explains why the trophies and memorabilia from his long career are so prominently displayed.

Having retired from active play last year, Hwang expanded his career as an entertainer by signing an exclusive contract with SM C&C in February this year. Moving away from the competitive intensity of the diamond, he is now focusing on creating content about his daily life and interests through variety shows and YouTube.

This home reveal is an extension of that new chapter. More interesting than the Han River view or the expensive collectibles is how his time as a professional athlete has left its mark on his personal living space. Furthermore, the moment he unplugged the ice refrigerator due to the 1.5 million won monthly bill highlights a more relatable side of Hwang, showing that even in a luxury home, one must make realistic decisions regarding living expenses.