The story was shared by Song Ja Ho, CEO of art firm Pica Project, in a YouTube video uploaded last month titled “Gathering of Korean chaebol third-generation heirs (real review),” as reported by The Korea Times.

In the clip, Song said he met Annie while attending high school in the U.S. through a network of Korean international students, mentioning a close-knit group that frequently spent time and shared meals together.

Song recalled one particular moment when the new AirPods had just hit the market, priced at about 200,000 won (US$140).

“But Annie was debating whether to buy them. She joked, ‘Oppa, won’t you buy them for me?’” Song recalled. “And I remember thinking, ‘Wow, kids who are truly rich can be even more like this.’”

At the time, Song added, there was no indication Annie was preparing for an idol career, though her family background was widely known among students.

Despite her wealth, he said, Annie did not display extravagant spending habits.

“Of course she was wealthier than me. But among international students, how rich can most families be? It’s actually kids like me from midsized business families who spend the most money,” he said. “I usually paid for meals. Real chaebol third-generation kids don’t have much cash when they’re students.”

Song also comes from a business family. According to The Chosun Dailyhe is the eldest grandson of former Dongwon Construction chairman Song Seung Heon.

Born Moon Seo Yoon, the 26-year-old Annie is the great-granddaughter of Lee Byung Chul, founder of Samsung, as Lee Myung Hee is his youngest daughter. Annie’s mother Chung Yoo Kyung currently serves as president of Shinsegae Group.

Shinsegae is one of South Korea’s three leading department store operators, alongside Lotte Corporation and Hyundai Department Store, collectively known in the industry as the “Big Three.”

In 2020, Forbes estimated Lee Myung Hee’s net worth at $840 million, ranking her 42nd among South Korea’s 50 richest individuals.