On July 3, 2025, former rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae offered the public a rare glimpse into her new home in Hannam-dong, Seoul, through a video posted on her YouTube channel titled "First reveal of rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae's Hannam-dong new house (ft. Stairway to Heaven)". The 31-year-old athlete, who has transitioned from Olympic contender to CEO of LEAP Studio, where she nurtures rhythmic gymnastics talents, shared candid insights into her life as a new mother and homeowner.
Son Yeon-jae, who married financial professional Lee Jun-hyo in August 2022, revealed that the house, while initially stunning, has gradually transformed under the joyful chaos of raising their 15-month-old son, Jun-yeon. "When we first moved in, the house was truly beautiful," she said, "but now, the living room has been completely taken over by Jun-yeon." The living room itself features a prominent stone pillar, which initially posed a challenge for furniture arrangement. To ensure safety as her son runs around, the family wrapped the pillar with soundproof mats.
Decorated with a sophisticated "city man" concept reflecting her husband's tastes, the home boasts luxurious sofas and chairs, carefully selected and arranged by Son Yeon-jae herself. She admitted to having studied and collected numerous paintings to adorn the space, but much of the artwork has been stowed away after her son began touching and drawing on them with crayons. "We had to put away most of the paintings; only a few remain," she confessed with a smile.
Despite her initial intention to avoid buying many baby products, Son Yeon-jae found herself accumulating a collection of cute items gifted by friends and family. She shared glimpses of her son's room, noting the balance between necessity and sentimentality as she navigates motherhood.
Interestingly, the house featured in media reports is not the couple's permanent residence but a temporary home. Son Yeon-jae clarified, "We plan to renovate and move into our actual home in 2 to 3 years." The couple had jointly purchased a detached house in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, in November 2024 for 7.2 billion won. Until then, they are residing in this Hannam-dong property, which limits their ability to fully customize the interior, leading to compromises in decoration and layout.
Reflecting her athletic background, the home includes a dedicated exercise room equipped with various workout machines. However, the reality of family life is evident as the pull-up bar doubles as a clothes rack and the ballet bar serves as a drying rack. She also showcased a rowing machine and a "Stepmill" exercise device, affectionately nicknamed "Stairway to Heaven," located in her husband's home office. Lee Jun-hyo, her husband, often works remotely, and their workspace has been designed to accommodate his needs comfortably.
Son Yeon-jae's journey from rhythmic gymnastics star to devoted mother and entrepreneur is marked by milestones that resonate with many. She made history by placing fifth and fourth in the individual all-around events at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, respectively. After officially retiring in February 2017, she committed herself to fostering the next generation of athletes.
The couple's son, Jun-yeon, born on February 16, 2024, has become a central figure in their lives, even influencing the home's atmosphere. Son Yeon-jae humorously noted that, contrary to her expectations of hosting parties and cooking for friends, "guests don't come," highlighting the shift in priorities that parenthood brings.
Beyond the walls of their home, Son Yeon-jae maintains a public presence, recently attending the VIP premiere of the film "A Normal Family" in Seoul on July 7, 2025. Her multifaceted life continues to captivate fans and followers alike.
Her candid sharing of the family's living environment, complete with the realities of parenting and the adjustments of temporary living, offers a relatable and humanizing glimpse into the life of a public figure. The spacious courtyard, which holds sentimental value as the site of her bridal shower and wedding after-party, remains a cherished space for the family.
As Son Yeon-jae and Lee Jun-hyo prepare for their upcoming move to their Itaewon-dong home, their story reflects a blend of personal growth, professional achievement, and the universal challenges of balancing family life with ambition.
