The recent passing of beloved Taiwanese actress Seo Heewon has left her family and fans grappling not only with loss but also with a swirl of rumors and legal questions about her substantial estate. As details of her inheritance surfaced in the media, confusion and speculation mounted—prompting her ex-husband, Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, to issue a rare and comprehensive public response on July 8, 2026, through his legal team.
According to multiple reports, including those from ETtoday and OSEN, Wang Xiaofei’s lawyer released a five-point statement clarifying the legal situation surrounding Seo Heewon’s estate. The statement was aimed at protecting the interests of their two minor children and putting to rest a series of persistent rumors that have caused distress for the family.
Seo Heewon, who married Wang Xiaofei in 2011 and had a son and daughter with him, divorced in 2021. In a twist that captured the public’s imagination, she rekindled a romance from two decades prior with South Korean musician Gu Junyeop, marrying him in March 2022. Tragically, Seo died at age 48 on February 2, 2025, from acute pneumonia during a family trip to Japan, as confirmed by MyDaily and SpotvNews.
In the wake of Seo’s death, questions arose about the fate of her assets, which are reported to be worth hundreds of billions of Korean won, including a luxury Taipei residence valued at approximately 460 million Taiwanese dollars. The home, which Seo shared with her family, carries a hefty monthly mortgage of about 1 million Taiwanese dollars. Media speculation suggested the property might be at risk of auction, and further controversy erupted when Seo’s mother claimed she had not received any inheritance and feared being forced from the home she helped purchase.
Wang Xiaofei’s legal team moved swiftly to correct the record. First, they confirmed that, in accordance with Taiwanese law and family agreement, Seo’s estate is to be divided into three equal parts: two-thirds to her minor children and one-third to her surviving spouse, Gu Junyeop. Wang Xiaofei, as the children’s legal guardian, manages their share through a dedicated trust account. “Wang Xiaofei has applied to the court for the appointment of a special representative to protect the rights of the two minor children,” the statement said, and a court-appointed lawyer is currently overseeing the inheritance division process.
As for Gu Junyeop’s share, Wang Xiaofei made it clear he respects his ex-wife’s widower’s autonomy. “Gu Junyeop will handle his legally inherited one-third of the estate according to his personal plans, and Wang Xiaofei respects this,” the lawyer’s statement affirmed, echoing reports from NEWSIS and TopStarNews.
Much of the public anxiety centered on the fate of the family’s Taipei home. Some media outlets had reported that the property was at risk of being seized or auctioned due to unpaid mortgage debt, and that Seo’s mother might be evicted. Wang Xiaofei’s team categorically denied these claims. “Since Seo Heewon’s passing, Wang Xiaofei has continued to pay the mortgage on the Taipei residence, which is the responsibility of the children. There is currently no risk of the property being auctioned, and such reports are not true,” the statement read.
On the sensitive issue of Seo’s mother’s living arrangements, Wang Xiaofei’s lawyer was adamant. “Wang Xiaofei and the two minor children fully support Seo Heewon’s mother continuing to reside in her current home. They have never asked her to leave and have communicated this position multiple times through her lawyer,” the statement clarified. This directly contradicted rumors and public statements suggesting otherwise, and was intended to assuage concerns about family discord.
Wang Xiaofei’s legal representative also addressed the broader impact of media speculation and online rumor-mongering. “Recent media reports and internet rumors are not based on fact and have caused pain to the individuals and families involved. We urge an end to unverified reporting and speculation,” the statement implored. This plea for privacy and accuracy was echoed across all major news outlets covering the story, as the family continues to grieve and navigate a complex legal process.
Throughout the unfolding situation, Wang Xiaofei has emphasized that all decisions regarding inheritance, asset management, and the children’s welfare will be made with the best interests of the minors in mind, and in full compliance with the law. “Wang Xiaofei will continue to prioritize the interests of his two minor children in all matters related to inheritance and asset management,” his lawyer stated, as reported by ETtoday and Seoul Newsis.
Meanwhile, Gu Junyeop, Seo’s widower, has chosen a path of quiet remembrance. According to reports from SpotvNews, he visits Seo Heewon’s gravesite daily and has even erected a statue in her memory, a gesture that has touched many fans and underscored the depth of his devotion.
Seo Heewon’s life, career, and the circumstances of her passing have continued to captivate the public. Her marriage to Wang Xiaofei, their subsequent divorce, and her reunion and remarriage with Gu Junyeop made headlines across East Asia. The current focus on her estate has brought renewed attention not only to her personal legacy but also to the legal and emotional complexities that can arise in the aftermath of a public figure’s death.
As the dust begins to settle, one thing is clear: the family, despite its complicated structure and the challenges of public scrutiny, is striving to honor Seo Heewon’s memory and protect the interests of the youngest and most vulnerable members. For now, the legal process continues, but the family’s message is one of unity, respect, and a desire for peace away from the spotlight.