The Hallyu wave is in full swing. K-dramas and Korean movies are finding their spot on everybody’s watchlist. No matter which genre you love, Korean shows and cinema have something for you. From the Oscar-winning film Parasite to the global sensation K-drama Crash Landing On You, we have all seen at least some Korean content. But have you ever wondered how much the actors starring in these hit projects earn? Today, we bring to you South Korea’s most loved and highest-paid actors.
Lee Jung Jae
Everybody knows about the mega-popular psychological thriller K-drama Squid Game. Lee Jung Jae stars as the main lead, Seong Gi Hun, in the show. Even before Squid Game, the actor was a household name in Korea. Forbes revealed in a report that the actor allegedly earns about $1 million per episode for Seasons 2 and 3 of Squid Game, making him one of the highest-paid actors in the industry.
Kim Soo Hyun
Kim Soo Hyun has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons lately; however, did you know he is still one of the highest-paid actors in South Korea? He made his career by starring in hit K-dramas like My Love From The Star and Queen Of Tears. The actor is reportedly earning around $423,000 per episode for his upcoming show Ordinary Days.
Lee Min Ho
If you ask a K-drama fan what their first show was, the answer will probably be Boys Over Flowers. Lee Min Ho ruled the South Korean Entertainment industry during the 2010s, delivering iconic hits like The Legend Of The Blue Sea, The Heirs and of course Boys Over Flowers. The actor earns somewhere around $167,000 per episode for his K-dramas.
Hyun Bin
Hyun Bin has had an illustrious and successful career as an actor. Over the years, he has starred in multiple hit K-dramas that have become legendary shows, including Crash Landing On You. The actor is said to charge around $167,000 per episode, adding him to the highest-paid actor list.
Song Joong Ki
Known for his roles in Descendants Of The Sun and Vincenzo, Song Joong Ki is a renowned name in South Korea. The actor is reported to charge around $220,000 per episode. Song Jong Ki’s net worth is noted to be around $40.3 million, gaining him a spot on the richest South Korean actors list.
Also Read: From Park Bo Gum To IU: Top 10 South Korean Actors You Must Know!