South Korean actress Lee Jung-hyun is facing mounting public criticism after showcasing her newly renovated luxury kitchen on national television, with viewers calling the timing "tone-deaf" amid the country's ongoing economic hardships.

On the June 20 episode of KBS2's variety program Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant, Lee gave viewers a glimpse into her spacious new home, highlighting a custom-designed kitchen that featured an 80-centimeter Hinoki cutting board, a six-person dining area, a bar counter, and a professional-grade iron griddle she described as her "30-year wish."

"I've dreamed of having this griddle for 30 years," Lee said on the program. "We installed four exhaust fans and redesigned the entire kitchen ceiling to accommodate it."

The actress even joked that she slept beside the Hinoki cutting board on the first night in her new home, saying she loved the scent so much.

However, the lighthearted segment quickly sparked frustration online.

Viewers criticized the segment as an insensitive display of wealth, particularly at a time when housing prices in South Korea are soaring and economic inequality is deepening.

"Another celebrity showing off their house. So tired of it," one viewer wrote on an online forum.

Another user commented, "These kinds of segments are just alienating for people who can't even afford rent."

Others mocked Lee's reported ownership of more than 30 cutting boards, noting that the value of her collection exceeds the monthly salary of many average workers.

The criticism comes as the average apartment price in Seoul surpasses ₩1.1 billion KRW (about $790,000 USD), and overdue personal and small business loans have reached ₩13.2 trillion KRW in the first quarter of 2025, according to recent financial data.

While Lee is not the only celebrity to be targeted for flaunting luxury homes, similar controversies have surrounded Kim Jong-kook, Park Soo-hong, and Jeong Dong-won — the backlash underscores the growing public sensitivity to displays of excess.

"Celebrities need to remember that much of their success comes from public support," one social media user posted.

"Right now, people are struggling. A little empathy goes a long way."

Lee, known for her roles in The Battleship Island and Parasyte: The Grey, and her recent return to acting following childbirth, has not publicly responded to the backlash.

Despite the controversy, Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant continues to attract viewership for its unique blend of cooking and lifestyle content.