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While we’re swept up in the twists and romances of K-dramas, the stars behind them are making headlines with record-breaking paychecks.
Squid Game actor Lee Jung Jae is the highest-paid Korean actor. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
South Korean dramas, popularly known as K-dramas, have experienced a global boom in recent years. Their distinctive storytelling, combined with the on-screen charisma of their actors, has transformed these shows into worldwide sensations. From the intense, high-stakes survival of Squid Game to the heart-melting romances of Crash Landing on You and Queen of Tears, K-dramas continue to captivate audiences across the globe.
While we’re caught up in the unexpected twists, emotional highs, and heart-fluttering romances of K-dramas, the stars behind these shows are making headlines of their own, with record-breaking paychecks. Reportedly, Squid Game star Lee Jung Jae is currently the highest-paid actor in South Korea. Curious to know who else ranks among the top earners in 2025? Look no further.
Top Highest-Paid Actors In South Korea
Lee Jung Jae
The actor behind the popular Squid Game character Player 456, aka Seong Gi Hun, is the highest-paid in the lot. According to Forbes, Lee Jung Jae got a whopping $1 million paycheck per episode for seasons 2 and 3 of Netflix’s survival game show, directed by Hwang Dong Hyuk.
Kim Soo Hyun
Kim Soo Hyun, who is currently embroiled in a dating controversy, is second on the list of highest-paid actors in South Korea. As per Tatler Asia, the actor took home a hefty $423,000 fee per episode for his role in One Ordinary Day. Meanwhile, a report by The Korea Times suggested that he took $3.7 million for his role in Queen of Tears, which is approximately $231,250 for each of the 16 episodes.
Song Joong Ki
Song Joong Ki, known for his roles in Descendants of the Sun and Vincenzo, has carved a niche for himself in the K-drama industry. Given his popularity all across the world, the actor is bound to get a hefty paycheck. As per Bollywood Life, Joong Ki gets around $219,923 per episode.
Hyun Bin
The actor, who left everyone impressed with his outstanding performance in Crash Landing On You, alongside his now-wife Son Ye Jin, is the fourth on the list. As per a report by Siasat.com, Hyun Bin earns around $167,000 per episode.
Lee Min Ho
Known for dramas like The King: Eternal Monarch and Legend of the Blue Sea, Lee Min Ho has a global fan base. Given his popularity, the actor also takes home a staggering fee for each of his dramas. He earns around $167,000 per episode, as per Siasat.com.
Jun Ji Hyun
One of the most popular names in Korean showbiz for over a decade now, Jun Ji Hyun’s per-episode fee is reportedly somewhere between $99,900 to $83,500. My Love From The Star, Kingdom, Legend of the Blue Sea and My Sassy Girl are some of her best dramas.
Lee Young Ae
Lee Young Ae is best known for her roles in K-dramas such as Dae Jang Geum and Lady Vengeance. One of the most respected faces in the South Korean showbiz, the actress’ fee is $90,700 per episode.
Song Hye Kyo
Over the years, Song Hye Kyo has acted in some of the best K-dramas. With The Glory, Descendants of the Sun and Autumn in My Heart in her filmography, the actress reportedly earns $54,400 per episode for her roles.
Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-…Read More
Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-… Read More
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