Kim Sook's Jeju House Renovation: A Journey Through Heritage and Hurdles

TV personality Song Eun-yi makes a surprise return to Kim Sook's Jeju house, despite having previously relinquished her share.

On the October 27th episode of tvN's variety show 'Unpredictable [Home]', viewers were treated to the remodeling process of Kim Sook's Jeju house.

Song Eun-yi joined Kim Sook in Jeju to meet with experts for the renovation project. Previously, Song Eun-yi had mentioned, "I gave up my share of the 220-pyeong Jeju house with Kim Sook." During the car ride, she expressed disbelief, asking, "Is this really happening this time?"

Kim Sook, appearing tense, replied, "We can't make any mistakes. It was hard to secure this."

The duo met with a national heritage repair technician, who revealed his impressive resume, having worked on Changdeokgung and Deoksugung palaces. Song Eun-yi was visibly astonished, exclaiming, "Changdeokgung?!"

Kim Sook expressed optimism, saying, "I think he's a perfect fit for us," and shared her struggles. When the technician mentioned he was considering the project, Kim Sook humorously searched for his bank account details on his business card, ready to make a deposit.

The renovation is expected to take at least three months. Kim Sook, eager to start, asked, "When can we begin? I want to start tomorrow." Upon hearing that they could start as soon as the schedule is set, she declared, "We'll start immediately," while Song Eun-yi humorously questioned, "What are you starting?"

Previously, it was revealed that the area around Kim Sook's house in Seongeup Village is designated as a 'National Folk Cultural Heritage' site, sparking significant interest.

The renovation involves more than just interior design; structural changes require a 'change of status permit' and possibly approval from the National Heritage Administration. Only qualified professionals can undertake such heritage-related repairs and designs.

Ultimately, Kim Sook proceeded with the renovation by collaborating with a national heritage repair technician.

Meanwhile, according to the National Heritage Administration's announcement on October 13th, Kim Sook's property is included in the areas subject to regulation relief in the 'National Folk Cultural Heritage Jeju Seongeup Village Designation Area and Allowance Criteria Adjustment Notice.'

Reporter Na-yeon Cho, Ten Asia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr