How did Lee Sang-min finally cleared years of debt? TV star discloses $1.1 mil. income

Korean TV personality Lee Sang-min has revealed that he earned 1.5 billion won ($1.1 million) last year, offering a glimpse into how he was able to finally pay off the massive debt that followed him for nearly two decades.

The figure was disclosed in the latest episode of the Wavve survival reality show "Blood Game X," released Friday. Cast members were asked to reveal their previous year's income as part of a challenge to determine their team's starting funds. Lee, who led Team P1, suggested that everyone disclose their earnings.

Fellow contestants said they had earned 50 million won, 80 million won and 200 million won, respectively. When Lee simply answered, "1.5 billion won," the studio fell silent in surprise.

After hearing the numbers, Team P1 decided against taking a financial gamble and instead chose its guaranteed team funds. "There was no reason to gamble," Lee said. "Since my income was the largest, I suggested we stick with what we had."

Contestant Park Ji-min also expressed surprise, saying, "I don't think anyone else would have written down more than 1.5 billion won." The reve