For him, it’s generational wealth.
BTOB member Yook Sungjae recently opened up about a unique source of his family’s wealth—fish! During a lively segment on the May 25, 2025 episode of TV CHOSUN’s Baekban Journey with Heo Young Man, viewers got a glimpse into Sungjae’s culinary adventures with veteran cartoonist Heo Young Man in Chuncheon, where they shared laughs, delicious meals, and a passion for nature.
While at the picturesque Chuncheon Lake, a hotspot for freshwater fishing, Sungjae enthusiastically shared his hobby as an amateur angler. He couldn’t hide his excitement as he discussed the thrill of fishing.
“I really enjoy fishing, especially freshwater fishing. I heard there are a few great fishing points around here. But freshwater fish tend to have a strong smell, so I couldn’t bring myself to eat them.”
The two also delved into the challenges of balancing personal hobbies with the rigorous schedule of being an idol. When asked if he had time for travel amidst his group activities, Sungjae explained that he still manages to sneak in trips with his fellow idols.
“I still manage to go on trips with friends from the idol scene, like Boyfriend and Teen Top. We go to places like this with good fishing spots. Even if they’re not into fishing, I’m so obsessed that I just drag them along.”
“My grandfather used to run a fishing site when he was alive. He was actually the first to import koi from Japan, raised them, and donated them to the country. What started as a fish farm eventually expanded into a full fishing site.”
This familial connection to fishing doesn’t end there; in 2020, it was revealed that Sungjae’s father, who leads an IT company in South Korea, had amassed a staggering revenue of over ₩10.0 billion KRW (approximately $7.32 million USD). It seems that the Yook family continues to thrive, with Sungjae carrying on the legacy both as a talented singer and actor.
