Kim Soo-hyun, Song Joong-ki, Hyun Bin, Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Min-ho, Song Hye-kyo, and more K-drama stars who are among the highest-paid in the industry
When the Hallyu first arrived on our shores, a lasting effect from the wildly popular 2002 K-drama Winter Sonata starring Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, K-drama actors were far and few in between. However, over the last 20 years, the proliferation of the internet has given rise to the expansion of Korean entertainment and exposure to its celebrities, resulting in a phenomenal global fandom.
Read more: 34 Korean dramas, films, and shows coming to Netflix in 2023
On Netflix, Korean series and films have regularly featured in the streaming giant's Global Top 10 list in more than 90 countries. In fact, three of Netflix's most-watched shows ever are from Korea: Squid Game, All of Us Are Dead, and Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
This phenomenon has also put a whole new generation of Korean actors in the spotlight, emerging as some of the biggest names in Korean entertainment today and of course, making bank off the Hallyu. Meet the 20 Korean actors who are said to be amongst the richest in the industry, based on salary per episode and the number of K-dramas they have done.
Note: These estimated earnings do not include film projects, paid appearances, and brand/commercial endorsements.
1. Kim Soo-hyun
Estimated earnings: US$25 million
Watch him in: Dream High (2011), Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), My Love from the Star (2013 - 2014), It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
