/ 17 June 2009

Almost 400 Koreans enter race to marry millionairess

Almost 400 South Koreans have applied to marry a millionairess who advertised for a soulmate but only eight “serious-minded” applicants will make the final cut, a matchmaking agency said on Wednesday.

The 49-year-old woman who is reportedly worth $18-million has been seeking a husband through an online advertisement since May 20, a spokesperson for Sunoo matchmaking agency said.

About 394 men — including doctors, lawyers, accountants, soldiers and government employees and ranging in age from 26 to 49 years — responded to the advertisement.

“As a business operator, she was too busy to find her husband herself,” the spokesperson said.

“We initially planned to keep the bid open until the end of this month but the woman felt burdened by unwelcome media attention and she wanted it closed Tuesday.”

The woman picked eight of the men for interviews and is expected to meet two or three of them per month over the next three months.

They are aged between 37 and 49 and include company employees, teachers and bank workers.

“The bride prefers average but serious persons to high-flying professionals,” the spokesperson said.

“She wants a soulmate with a passion for life, who will share the ups and downs of life with her.” – AFP