Exploring Unique Housing Solutions for Newlyweds on MBC's 'Save Me! Holmes'

On the episode aired on Thursday, the MBC show 'Save Me! Holmes' (hereafter referred to as 'Holmes') embarked on a journey to explore various housing options for newlyweds.

This episode was a special feature focusing on 'newlyweds,' offering a guide for first-time home buyers. The show featured the Enjoy Couple, Son Min-soo and Lim Ra-ra, who shared the realistic challenges faced by newlyweds. The couple, who are parents to twins, showcased their living room filled with baby products and their three-month-old twins, capturing the audience's attention. Yang Se-hyung, who joined them, revealed his special connection with the couple, having given a congratulatory speech at their wedding. Previously, Yang Se-hyung had caught viewers' attention as Park Na-rae's 'former flame.'

The first location visited was a semi-basement apartment belonging to a couple set to marry in March. The black-and-white themed interior, from the entrance to various parts of the house, exuded a newlywed vibe. The space, featuring a self-renovated kitchen and bathroom, was predominantly white, effectively dispelling the typical dark image of semi-basements and drawing admiration. In an interview, the couple shared their story of purchasing the home for 100 million won, detailing their realistic approach of drafting a financial plan and loan agreement with their parents to secure funds.

The second home visited was in Songpa-gu, one of the three affluent districts in Gangnam, belonging to a couple married for seven years who practice 'frugal tech.' They shared their journey from their first home near Independence Gate to entering Gangnam through saving, investing, and financial strategies known as the 'JJJ strategy.' They revealed how they saved 9 million won by purchasing second-hand furniture and shared their meticulously planned 'Carrot Schedule' calendar and a ledger recording even 11 won in interest, capturing viewers' interest. The homeowner expressed their belief that living life according to one's own terms is truly admirable.

The show also revisited couples from last year's 'newlywed' episode. The Jeonju couple, who attempted a 100% DIY renovation, shared that they aimed to move in by May after their wedding but are still in the drywall phase, currently living with the mother-in-law. Similarly, the Ulleungdo couple, who remodeled an old house themselves, are now working as a brand designer and a guide after returning to the island. Their stories highlighted the challenges and current situations of newlyweds undertaking DIY renovations, resonating with viewers.

Lastly, an apartment in Dapsimni-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, was showcased as a stepping stone for newlyweds to own a home. Completed in August last year, this newly built officetel is located just 100 meters from Dapsimni Station, featuring practical designs like a separate kitchen and two bathrooms. With rental conditions more reasonable than surrounding market prices and proximity to four public daycare centers and an elementary school, it offers ideal conditions for newlyweds planning a family.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr