Inside the Artistic Home of Korean Actress Kang Bu-ja: A Journey Through Her Treasured Collection

Korean actress Kang Bu-ja recently opened the doors to her art-filled home in Cheongdam-dong for the first time on MBN's 'GabojaGO' Season 4, aired on the 9th.

From the entrance, Kang's home is adorned with a variety of artworks and crafts. A notable piece is a nude sculpture created by her daughter during high school, who is now 50 years old. Kang shared her daily ritual of greeting a Taegeukgi artwork by artist Yoo Jin-soo, displayed at her entrance, every morning and evening. Comedian Hong Hyun-hee, upon entering, exclaimed, "Isn't this a museum?"

Kang also showcased her collection of traditional Korean hairpins and accessories, accumulated over her 60-year acting career. She expressed her frustration with historical dramas inaccurately portraying widows with extravagant hairpins, stating, "Widows should wear simple ones, but dramas always show them with flashy ones, which annoys me."

Her collection extends to works by cultural heritage artist Han Sang-soo, ceramic artist Yeonpa Silhyeoncheol, and artists Choi Byung-hoon, Kim Heung-soo, and Noh Sang-kyun. She even treasures a painting gifted by a fan. Kang gifted white porcelain by Andong Oh to two individuals, and when Hong Hyun-hee commented on her passion for collecting, Kang humorously replied, "I've spent all my money on these; I have no cash left."

Kang revealed her wardrobe, emphasizing her independence by stating, "I never accept sponsorships for drama appearances. It restricts my freedom, and if there's a delay, I can't shoot the connections."

She also proudly displayed a historical cosmetic case from luxury brand L, gifted by a fan during an LA shoot, which she has never opened. "I'm considering giving it to a beloved junior," she said.

Kang shared her pride in her grandchildren, noting, "One granddaughter became a lawyer, and two are attending medical school and a prestigious American university."

Reflecting on a photo from her and her husband's 80th birthday celebration, Kang fondly recalled, "My 87-year-old husband, Lee Muk-won, was known for his charming smile. But that's not why I married him. As the eldest of seven siblings, I felt I should be the pillar of his impoverished family."

Kang candidly remarked, "Appearing on shows like this doesn't pay off. Some might say, 'Is that all she has?' while others might think, 'She lives well.' It's a matter of preference. I've truly given my all over the past 60 years."

Kang also recounted a story involving the late Lee Byung-chul, founder of Samsung Group. As a former TBC exclusive talent, she faced a hiatus due to media consolidation, which concerned Lee. "He asked me five times if he could help," Kang recalled. "When TBC disappeared, he was worried."

Kang shared that she once went golfing with Lee and had dreams of owning a small building with a theater. "If I had mentioned it when he asked, he might have said, 'Plan it out.' He asked several times," she said. Later, she received an invitation for tea from Lee Myung-hee, who remarked, "Why didn't you ask my father for something?" Kang reflected, "If I had received something, would I be who I am today?" She emphasized, "I never do anything beyond my means."

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr