Whether or not it’s the explosive success of Squid Sport or the slow-burn romance of Queen of Tears, Okay-dramas have carved out a large international following. However whereas we binge these tales, the celebs behind them are quietly making historical past with their earnings. In line with Zee Information, right here’s an in depth have a look at eight of Korea’s top-paid actors and actresses in 2025, together with what they earn per episode.
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Prime highest-paid Korean actors of 2025
Lee Jung Jae
The Squid Sport star is reportedly the highest-paid Korean actor, in keeping with Forbes, incomes $1 million per episode for Seasons 2 and three. That paycheck not solely makes him the face of dystopian drama, it additionally locations him on the high of South Korea’s earnings chart.
Kim Soo-Hyun
His reputation soars with every challenge—and so does his financial institution steadiness. Tatler Asia cited his per-episode price for One Peculiar Day at $423,000, whereas The Korea Instances pegged his Queen of Tears deal at $3.7 million for 16 episodes—roughly $231,250 per episode.
Hyun Bin
A fan favourite since Crash Touchdown on You, Hyun Bin continues to command enormous charges. Siasat.com stories his earnings at round $167,000 per episode, whereas Instances of India states his complete internet price stands at $21 million.
Lee Min Ho
From Boys Over Flowers to The King: Everlasting Monarch, Lee Min Ho’s attraction is common. Siasat.com stories he earns $167,000 per episode, and GQ India says his internet price is $26 million.
Lee Younger Ae
Identified for Dae Jang Geum and Girl Vengeance, she stays a revered determine in Korean leisure. Her reported price is ₩100M per episode, which is roughly $90,700.
Jun Ji Hyun
The queen of My Sassy Woman and My Love from the Star, Jun Ji Hyun, reportedly earns ₩110M per episode, which converts to $99,900 USD. Siasat.com additionally lists her price at round $83,500 per episode.
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Track Joong Ki
With Reborn Wealthy, he reportedly charged ₩300 million per episode. In line with Bollywood Life, his internet price reached $40.3 million, because of blockbuster dramas like Vincenzo and his strategic position selections.
Track Hye Kyo
From Autumn in My Coronary heart to The Glory, her repertoire is as highly effective as her pay. She earns ₩60M per episode, which is about $54,400.
FAQs
Who’s Korea’s highest-paid actor?
Lee Jung Jae, with $1 million per episode for Squid Sport, is at the moment the highest-paid Korean actor.
Who’s the highest-paid actress in Korea?
Jun Ji Hyun ranks among the many high, incomes almost $100,000 per episode.
Who’s the richest actor and actress in South Korea?
Lee Min Ho and Hyun Bin are among the many wealthiest male stars. Amongst actresses, Track Hye Kyo and Jun Ji Hyun lead the checklist.
Who’s the No. 1 Korean actor?
Kim Soo-Hyun and Lee Jung Jae are each high contenders, based mostly on reputation and pay scale in 2025.