Korean Entertainment’s Global Dominance: Top 5 Highest-Paid K-Drama Actors
Korean entertainment has taken the world by storm, whether through chart-topping K-pop acts like BTS and BLACKPINK or hit K-dramas such as Squid Game and Crash Landing on You. One of the key elements that makes K-dramas so binge-worthy is the talented ensemble cast that brings captivating stories to life. Leading Korean actors like Song Joong Ki and Lee Min Ho earn substantial sums per K-drama episode, often in the millions.
Let’s take a closer look at the five highest-paid K-drama actors:
1.Kim Soo Hyun
Topping the list is Kim Soo Hyun, known for his role in “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay,” who commands a staggering fee of approximately $423,000 (around Rs 3.5 crore) per episode, according to Siasat Daily. His total net worth is estimated to be around $117 million (approximately Rs 970 crore). Kim Soo Hyun’s next project is the romance drama “Queen of Tears,” opposite Kim Ji Won.
2.Lee Jung Jae
Lee Jung Jae, the star of the global phenomenon “Squid Game,” is one of South Korea’s most successful actors. He reportedly earns $248,000 (about Rs 2 crore) per episode. His estimated net worth is $12 million (approximately Rs 99.5 crore). Lee Jung Jae will reprise his role in “Squid Game 2” and the spin-off action horror drama “Ray.” He is set to make his Hollywood debut in the upcoming Star Wars series “The Acolyte.”
3.Song Joong Ki
Song Joong Ki, known for “Descendants of the Sun,” is another highly paid Korean actor, earning roughly $170,000 (approximately Rs 1.4 crore) per episode, as per Siasat Daily. His estimated net worth stands at $24 million (about Rs 199 crore). Song Joong Ki’s last K-drama, “Reborn Rich,” achieved high ratings and is the second highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history. While his next K-drama project remains unannounced, he has three movies in the pipeline.
4.Hyun Bin
Hyun Bin, synonymous with Korean dramas, is famous for “Crash Landing on You.” He reportedly earns $113,000 per episode (approximately Rs 93.75 lakh). His estimated net worth is $21 million (about Rs 174 crore). Although Hyun Bin has not taken on a new K-drama project since “Crash Landing on You,” he will star in the spy action film “Harbin.”
5.Lee Min Ho
Lee Min Ho, known for “Boys Over Flowers” and his Hollywood debut in “Pachinko,” charges approximately $80,000 (about Rs 66 lakh) per episode, according to Siasat Daily. His estimated net worth is $26 million (about Rs 215.63 crore). Lee Min Ho’s next project is the space romance drama “Ask the Stars,” opposite Gong Hyo Jin.
These actors have not only captured the hearts of viewers worldwide but also secured their places among the highest-paid stars in the K-drama industry.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Nook Explorer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.