Kim Jong Kook voted most frugal celebrity in online poll

Which celebrity is least likely to open their wallet for those around them, regardless of how much they earn? In a recent online survey, singer Kim Jong Kook took first place, thanks to an image famously far removed from flashy consumption. Jeon Won Joo followed him, while Jang Won Young also placed among the top names.

According to DC Inside on the 29th, Kim Jong Kook secured first place in a survey titled 'Which star would live without spending even 1 won on those around them even if they earn a lot of money?' He received 1,214 votes (16%) out of a total of 7,506. The results are notable as they reflect public perception based on broadcast images rather than an investigation into actual assets or spending habits.

Kim's top ranking appears to be driven by his long-standing reputation for frugality and self-discipline. Throughout his career as a singer, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to exercise and self-care on various variety shows, while frequently sharing lifestyle habits that prioritize saving over unnecessary spending. This has established a character that is the polar opposite of the typical star who increases spending as their wealth grows.

Second place went to Jeon Won Joo, who earned 1,126 votes (15%). In the entertainment industry, Jeon has long been seen as a symbol of both thriftiness and savvy investing. She has shared her frugal lifestyle and investment experiences on various programs, occasionally making headlines for being perceived as excessively thrifty. Notably, she demonstrated an economic mindset focused on accumulation rather than consumption by revealing she has held SK hynix shares purchased in 2011 for a long period.

Third place was Seo Jang Hoon, who received 650 votes (9%). The former basketball player has been relatively candid about his economic views and spending philosophy since transitioning to broadcasting. Rather than boasting about high earnings, he has solidified his image as a "pragmatist" by repeatedly emphasizing a realistic approach to consumption on variety shows.

Jang Won Young followed the leaders, forming a similar image through a different path. Rather than being characterized as "stingy," she has left a strong impression through thorough self-management and a highly organized lifestyle. Im Woo Il and KYUHYUN have also been recognized by the public as celebrities who value rational consumption, often discussing their thrifty habits on screen.

Interestingly, this survey serves more as a portrait of public perception than a measure of actual spending tendencies. A celebrity's income does not always align with their public persona. Ultimately, this ranking reflects who the public remembers as the most frugal, rather than who actually spends the least.

Kim Jong Kook's victory is symbolic. In an era of conspicuous consumption, his consistent brand of exercise, frugality, and saving has remained firmly imprinted on the public across generations. He has built a unique brand: not as a "celebrity who looks rich," but as one who seems unlikely to spend easily even if they are wealthy.

While this can be viewed positively, some argue that since the income of modern celebrities can rival that of small and medium-sized enterprises—and is directly tied to public support—the concept of "noblesse oblige" regarding the social return of wealth should perhaps be applied to them as well.

Some have pointed to the couple Shin Min A and Kim Woo Bin as representative examples of this discussion.