[Sportschosun reporter Jo Min-jeong] Ham Ik-byeong, a dermatologist and broadcaster, is drawing attention after revealing why he has lived in a 93-pyeong unit at Tower Palace in Gangnam for 20 years and how he built his success. Online interest has also grown after an unexpected story of kindness from a former driver who once gave him a ride.
Ham recently appeared on a YouTube channel and said, "Tower Palace was not a home I chose for investment, but a place I chose to live in," explaining how he came to move there. He said that about 20 years ago, when he was living in Gaepo-dong, he happened to see a building under construction. After it was completed, he visited the interior himself and was immediately captivated. He added that what he liked most was the environment in front of the house, near Yangjaecheon, which he could use "like my own playground," and said he has lived there for more than 20 years. He also expressed his affection for Tower Palace and the surrounding area, saying, "I did not want to spend money on other things. I wanted to live in a spacious, good home."
Ham then spoke about his poor childhood and life in a one-room home, saying that "deprivation was the biggest driving force." He recalled that from his 30s until age 45, he worked almost nonstop, except on weekends and holidays.
Amid this, a comment on the video drew attention from an internet user who said he had once been Ham's designated driver.
He wrote, "I was the designated driver who used to drive you around when you had that black SM5 long ago," adding, "You had a good personality and spoke so warmly that I still remember it. I still see you in a positive light."
The comment quickly spread online, prompting reactions such as, "No wonder he succeeded," "Even a brief connection left a good memory," and "Now there is another story about his character."
Meanwhile, Ham, a dermatologist, has continued to attract public attention through various broadcasts and lectures, where he consistently shares his views on health, financial outlook, and life philosophy.
Jo Min-jeong, mj.cho@sportschosun.com
