From ₩500 Million a Day to an Empty Bank Account: The Generous Legacy of Jang Nara
Jang Nara was once one of Korea’s highest-paid stars, earning up to ₩500 million per day. But when her wedding day came, Jang Nara’s bank account was empty. This isn’t a cautionary tale about mismanagement it’s a testament to one actress’s choice to give everything to others.
Peak Fame, Peak Earnings – ₩500 Million a Day
During the height of her career, Jang Nara was a household name across Asia. Between singing, acting, endorsements, and international projects, she reportedly earned around ₩4–5 billion per month, averaging ₩500 million per day.
Fans assumed she’d be set for life. But right before her wedding, she found herself with nothing in the bank.
₩13 Billion in Donations – A Life of Giving
So where did the money go? Jang Nara had quietly donated over ₩13 billion across many years. Her contributions went to: Children’s charities, medical expenses for low-income families and programs supporting youth leaving the foster care system.
She never made a show of it. Her generosity was private, steady, and sincere.
With no funds for her wedding, it was close friend Park Kyung-lim who stepped in. Thanks to her support, Jang Nara was able to have a modest but meaningful ceremony. In an industry known for fleeting friendships, this act stood out as a rare and genuine moment of loyalty.
A K-Drama Romance with Her Younger Husband
Jang Nara met her husband, cinematographer Jung Ha-chul, on the set of the drama “VIP.” He’s six years her junior, and yes it was Jang Nara who confessed first.
“I don’t just like him as a person. I like him as a man,” she said, boldly making the first move. After two years of dating, they tied the knot in 2022.
Music and Acting Queen: A Dual Legacy
Jang Nara holds a rare distinction: she’s one of the few stars to have won Daesang (Grand Prize) in both music and acting:
- 2002: Grand Prize at a major music awards show
- 2024: SBS Drama Awards Grand Prize
Her long-standing career is a model of consistency, talent, and reinvention. Jang Nara’s story reminds us that wealth isn’t just measured in numbers. Though she walked down the aisle with an empty bank account, she did so with a heart full of generosity and a legacy far richer than any fortune.
In a world obsessed with fame and fortune, she chose kindness. That’s the kind of star we’ll always remember.
