Comedian Lee Guk-joo recently shared her frustrations about the high cost of rent in Tokyo.
On October 22, a video titled 'Guk-joo is Looking for a New Home in Tokyo' was uploaded to Lee Guk-joo's YouTube channel.
In the video, Lee explained that her current lease in Japan is up in March, adding, "I mentioned that I might leave early. If I get busier with work in Korea or if things get tougher and I can't afford the rent."
Heading to the subway station for a real estate tour, Lee expressed her discomfort with the crowded situation, saying, "I can't get on. It's like when the elevator beeps. I can't get on because I'm worried everyone will stare."
After taking the next train, Lee explained Japan's LDK (Living, Dining, Kitchen) system. She continued, "I'll look at homes for when I have less money, suddenly come into money, or decide to live with a friend. It's time to face reality."
Lee was impressed by a 5 million won ($4,200) 'Crayon Shin-chan' house, exclaiming, "It's so nice. Can't it be 3 million won? I want to live here for just a year. Is that 50 million won a year? I can't afford it." She noted that a 6-7 pyeong (approximately 215-250 square feet) studio, ideal for students, costs around 800,000 won ($670), recommending it to Korean students as a viable option.
Before viewing a 7.5 million won ($6,300) 48-pyeong (approximately 1,700 square feet) home, Lee hesitated, saying, "Should I not go? I can't afford it anyway." After touring the house, she sighed, "I'd live here even if it were a storage room," and added, "It's a home for a big family. If I get a husband and kids, this would be a great place to live."
Finally, Lee visited a luxurious 12 million won ($10,000) house in Shinagawa, expressing her desire to live in a place like Choo Sung-hoon's home if she won the lottery.
"It feels like I'm checking if I can live here. It's all insecurity," Lee said with a smile, admiring the spacious dressing room, large bathroom, and monochrome interior. She expressed her wish to be the first tenant.
Lee humorously asked, "Would you rather live in a tower mansion while starving or in a studio with good food?" and answered herself, "I'd live here. I'd starve but live here," causing laughter.
After the real estate tour, Lee reflected on the luxury homes, saying, "Seeing the people living there, I think about how hard they must have worked. It inspires me to work harder and live a great life."
She concluded with a declaration, "I'm in my 40s now. I need to focus and enjoy life more. Next year, I hope to prioritize my health and happiness. Only then can I take care of those around me. I'm going to be a completely selfish woman," she said, bringing smiles to her audience.
Reported by Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia