Korean actors are making serious money these days, and it’s pretty wild to see how much some of them are earning. The highest-paid Korean actors in 2025 are earning massive paychecks that would make most of us do a double-take. Apart from acting paychecks, they’re cashing in through brand deals, film projects, and even their own production companies.
Lee Jung Jae is sitting at the top of the list, pulling in a cool $1 million per episode for Squid Game. You might know him from the hit series, but his paycheck is absolutely jaw-dropping compared to what other stars make. Other big names, such as Kim Soo Hyun and Song Joong Ki, are also earning a substantial income, and honestly, some Korean actors are making more per episode than Hollywood’s biggest stars.
In this article, we have curated a list of the top 15 highest-paid Korean actors in 2025, including details on their ages, net worth, paycheck per episode or film, and the sources of their income.
Understanding How Korean Actors Earn
Ever wonder how Korean actors make so much money? It’s not just about acting. The highest-paid Korean actors in 2025 earn from a mix of sources, including brand deals, endorsements, and wise investments. Let’s take a closer look at how they build their fortunes.
Most people think their paychecks come only from dramas or movies, but that’s just the beginning. Many stars also sign big contracts with brands, from luxury fashion to tech products. These deals can sometimes bring in more than their acting roles. Some actors even start their own businesses, like cafes, restaurants, or production companies, which help them earn extra income.
Investing in real estate is another popular way for these stars to grow their wealth. Buying property in Seoul or other cities can pay off big over time. Others launch their own brands, such as fashion lines or beauty products, and some even run successful YouTube channels or social media accounts. This mix of income streams is why the highest-paid Korean actors can build such large fortunes.
15 Highest-Paid Korean Actors in 2025: Complete List with Detailed Profiles
The following list ranks the 15 highest-paid Korean actors in 2025 based on their per-episode earnings. These figures reflect the fees that actors charge for drama and film projects, which is one of the most reliable indicators of their market value in the entertainment industry. Pay-per-episode rates vary depending on project scope, network, and production budget, but they provide a clear snapshot of each actor’s earning power.
| Rank | Actor Name | Per-Episode Fee (USD) | Per-Episode Fee (₩) | Net Worth (USD) | Net Worth (₩) |
| 1 | Lee Jung Jae | $1,000,000 | ₩1.3 billion | $65 million | ₩15.6–19.5 billion |
| 2 | Kim Soo Hyun | $227,000–$423,000 | ₩300–550 million | $117 million | ₩150 billion |
| 3 | Park Bo Gum | $375,000 | ₩490 million | $22+ million | ₩3.2–3.9 billion |
| 4 | Song Joong Ki | $228,500 | ₩300 million | $40.3 million | ₩31–52 billion |
| 5 | Gong Yoo | $200,000 | ₩260 million | $55 million | ₩71 billion |
| 6 | Ji Chang Wook | $180,000–$200,000 | ₩235–260 million | $75 million | ₩97 billion |
| 7 | Park Seo Joon | $200,000 | ₩260 million | $60 million | ₩78 billion |
| 8 | Lee Jong Suk | $200,000 | ₩260 million | $50 million | ₩65 billion |
| 9 | Lee Seung Gi | $200,000 | ₩260 million | $16 million | ₩21 billion |
| 10 | Park Hyung Sik | $200,000 | ₩260 million | $35+ million | ₩45+ billion |
| 11 | So Ji Sub | $170,000 | ₩220 million | $46 million | ₩60 billion |
| 12 | Lee Min Ho | $167,000 | ₩220 million | $26 million | ₩33 billion |
| 13 | Hyun Bin | $167,000 | ₩220 million | $25–90 million | ₩32–115 billion |
| 14 | Ji Sung | $150,000 | ₩195 million | $40 million | ₩52 billion |
| 15 | Kim Woo Bin | $40,000–$60,000 | ₩52–77 million | $10 million | ₩13 billion |
Detailed Actor Profiles
11. Lee Jung Jae
- Net worth: Around US$12 million (₩15.6–19.5 billion)
- Primary income sources: Acting, directing/producing, hospitality, and real estate
- Approximate pay: About US$1 million per episode (₩1.3 billion) for later seasons of Squid Game
- Age: 52
Lee Jung Jae’s career has been steady for decades, but Squid Game changed everything for him. The success of the show pushed his fee to around a million dollars per episode, placing him among the highest-paid Korean actors in 2025 without relying on constant publicity. Even before the global attention, he had a strong film catalogue and a good reputation for serious roles. Outside acting, he runs a popular restaurant venture and holds valuable property in Seoul. He also works with top luxury brands, which adds another reliable stream of income to his career.
2. Kim Soo Hyun
- Net worth: Around US$117 million (₩150 billion)
- Primary income sources: Acting, brand endorsements, real-estate investments
- Approximate pay: Between US$227,000–US$423,000 per episode (₩300–550 million)
- Age: 37
Kim Soo Hyun built his name through back-to-back hit dramas, and his pay rate reflects that consistency. His per-episode fee reached impressive figures during recent projects, and this is one of the reasons he is considered among the highest-paid Korean actors of 2025. Producers trust him to deliver strong ratings, and that keeps his demand high, even when the competition intensifies. He also represents several luxury brands and invests in premium properties across Seoul. Kim’s long career and steady work choices helped him maintain popularity both in Korea and internationally.
3. Park Bo Gum
- Net worth: Approx. US$2.5-$3 million (₩3.2–3.9 billion)
- Primary income sources: Acting, music/activity appearances, brand campaigns
- Approximate pay: Around US$375,000 per episode (₩490 million)
- Age: 32
Park Bo Gum has emerged from a younger generation of actors and secured a place among the highest-paid Korean actors in 2025, thanks to rising acting fees and major brand work. His clean image, versatility across genres, and participation in music-related or variety content make him appealing to a broad audience. He doesn’t yet command the same level of respect as older veterans, but his astute role choices and growing international fan base suggest his earnings are on the rise.
4. Song Joong Ki
- Net worth: Around US$24–40 million (₩31–52 billion)
- Primary income sources: Dramas, films, global endorsement deals
- Approximate pay: Around US$228,500 per episode (₩300 million) for Reborn Rich
- Age: 40
Song Joong Ki’s career reached another peak after Reborn Rich, which boosted his per-episode fee and made him one of the highest-paid Korean actors in 2025. Over the years, he has built a strong connection with viewers through emotionally charged and action-driven roles. His influence extends far beyond Korea, and his projects often find solid international viewership. Apart from acting, he represents several lifestyle and fashion brands that value his clean image. His work choices in recent years have demonstrated a clear shift toward roles with broad appeal, maintaining his strong position in both the domestic and global markets.
5. Gong Yoo
- Net worth: Around US$5–15 million (₩71 billion)
- Primary income sources: Film and drama roles, luxury brand endorsements, real-estate holdings
- Approximate pay: Around US$200,000 per episode (₩260 million), depending on the project
- Age: 46
Gong Yoo has been famous for a long time, and he remains one of the highest-paid Korean actors in 2025, thanks to both his successful old hits and his recent major projects. His work in major films like Train to Busan and acclaimed dramas such as Goblin helped build a high-value reputation. In 2025, he remains selective about roles, which helps preserve his premium fee. His brand endorsements with luxury labels significantly contribute to his earnings, and his real estate investments provide additional support to his wealth, supplementing his earnings outside of acting.
6. Ji Chang Wook
- Net worth: Approx. US$75 million (₩97 billion)
- Primary income sources: Action-romance dramas and films, endorsements
- Approximate pay: Around US$180,000–US$200,000 per episode (₩235–260 million)
- Age: 38
Ji Chang Wook earns his place among the highest-paid Korean actors in 2025 through a steady stream of popular dramas and film appearances, especially in action and romance genres. His bankable status stems from delivering strong performances that attract overseas viewers, thereby boosting his value. He also has a solid endorsement portfolio with lifestyle and tech brands. While he may not earn as much as some veteran stars, his steady upward trajectory shows he’s recognized for his consistent output and appeal.
7. Park Seo Joon
- Net worth: Approx. US$60 million (₩78 billion)
- Primary income sources: Lead roles in dramas and films, global endorsements
- Approximate pay: Around US$200,000 per episode (₩260 million)
- Age: 36
Park Seo-joon has built a global profile, starring in major Korean dramas and expanding into larger international promotions. His popular shows have performed well on streaming platforms abroad, increasing his visibility and driving up his fee demands. In addition to acting, he collaborates with major luxury brands and maintains a strong social media presence that enhances his appeal for endorsements. His real estate investments also demonstrate that he approaches his income with a long-term perspective.
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8. Lee Jong Suk
- Net worth: Around US$32-50 million (₩65 billion)
- Primary income sources: Dramas, films, brand partnerships
- Approximate pay: Around US$200,000 per episode (₩260 million)
- Age: 36
Lee Jong Suk built his career through a steady mix of romance, thriller, and fantasy dramas that continue to perform strongly on streaming platforms. His updated acting fee places him among the highest-paid Korean actors in 2025, and producers rely on him for projects that aim for solid ratings and international viewers. His influence extends into fashion and lifestyle campaigns, where he works with major brands that appreciate his calm and polished image. Over the years, he has chosen roles with clear audience appeal, which helped him maintain long-term stability and strong earning power.
9. Lee Seung Gi
- Net worth: Approx. US$16 million (₩21 billion)
- Primary income sources: Acting, music, variety hosting, production work
- Approximate pay: Around US$200,000 per episode (₩260 million)
- Age: 38
Lee Seung Gi built a rare multi-career path that spans acting, singing, and hosting, and this versatility keeps him among the highest-paid Korean actors in 2025. His drama fees reached impressive numbers, and his long experience on variety shows made him a familiar figure across age groups. He also runs his own production company, which gives him control over specific projects and an additional revenue stream. His consistent presence in both entertainment and business demonstrates how he has built his position steadily over the years without relying on a single field.
10. Park Hyung Sik
- Net worth: Approx. US$5-7 million (₩45+ billion)
- Primary income sources: Dramas, films, endorsements, and rising overseas projects
- Approximate pay: Around US$200,000 per episode (₩260 million)
- Age: 34
Park Hyung Sik strengthened his career with a steady run of successful dramas, and his fees reflect that rise. His earnings place him comfortably among the highest-paid Korean actors in 2025, especially as he begins to appear in larger international projects. He is known for adapting well to both emotional and comedic roles, which keeps him in steady demand. His endorsements come from fashion and lifestyle brands that value his clean public image, and his growing interest in overseas film opportunities hints at even higher potential in the next few years.
11. So Ji Sub
- Net worth: Approx. US$41-46 million (₩60 billion)
- Primary income sources: Acting, business ventures, endorsements
- Approximate pay: Around US$170,000 per episode (₩220 million)
- Age: 48
So Ji Sub brings decades of experience and continues to earn major roles. His older-generation status gives him legacy value, and producers still rely on him for strong lead performances. Beyond acting, he runs business interests and invests in real estate, which helps stabilize his earnings. His endorsement relationships with premium brands round out his income mix.
12. Lee Min Ho
- Net worth: Around US$26-110 million (₩33 billion)
- Primary income sources: Acting, overseas endorsements, fashion partnerships
- Approximate pay: Around US$167,000 per episode (₩220 million)
- Age: 38
Lee Min-ho continues to be a familiar face to global fans, especially since his dramas remain popular on streaming platforms. His acting fees stay in the upper tier in 2025. Despite not appearing in every single drama lineup, each project he accepts receives significant attention due to his long-standing fanbase. His work with fashion labels and lifestyle brands generates additional income, and many international companies choose him due to his global recognition. Over the years, he has maintained his presence through consistent public engagement and strategic role choices.
13. Hyun Bin
- Net worth: Around US$21–90 million (₩32–115 billion)
- Primary income sources: Dramas, films, endorsements, investments
- Approximate pay: Around US$167,000 per episode (₩220 million)
- Age:43
Hyun Bin’s name has a significant base in the Korean entertainment industry, especially after the international popularity of Crash Landing on You. His updated acting fees and steady line of endorsements keep him among the highest-paid Korean actors this year. Even though he opts for fewer projects, the roles he takes are usually high-profile, and producers know he draws both domestic and international viewers. Luxury brands rely on him for long-term campaigns, and his property investments add stability to his finances. His approach demonstrates a combination of strategic decision-making and astute business acumen.
14. Ji Sung
- Net worth: Approx. US$16 million (₩52 billion)
- Primary income sources: Drama roles, endorsements, real estate
- Approximate pay: Around US$150,000 per episode (₩195 million)
- Age: 48
Ji Sung has held a respected place in Korean entertainment for many years, primarily through dramas that show his range in emotional and psychological roles. His steady performance level keeps him among the highest-paid Korean actors in 2025. Producers trust him with complex characters, and that helps him secure substantial fees even when newer actors enter the spotlight. He also appears in campaigns for lifestyle and fashion brands, which adds to his total earnings. In addition to acting, he invests in real estate properties, which provide him with long-term financial stability.
15. Kim Woo Bin
- Net worth: Approx. US$10-15 million (₩13 billion)
- Primary income sources: Dramas, films, endorsements, business ventures
- Approximate pay: Around US$40,000–US$60,000 per episode (₩52–77 million)
- Age: 36
Kim Woo Bin rebuilt his career with determination after his health break, and the public’s strong support helped him re-establish himself among the highest-paid Korean actors in 2025. His comeback roles show both maturity and depth, which have strengthened his relationship with producers and viewers. He also works with fashion, eyewear, and lifestyle brands that suit his appearance and calm presence. His growing involvement in business ventures adds another layer to his income. With more projects lined up, his earnings are expected to rise steadily as he continues expanding his range.
Conclusion
Korean entertainment has expanded significantly beyond its local market, and the earnings of these stars underscore this growth. The highest-paid Korean actors of 2025 are earning amounts that match, and sometimes exceed, those of prominent Western names. Their success stems from more than just drama roles; it’s a combination of strong acting choices, international appeal, steady brand deals, and astute investments. Each actor on this list took a unique path to reach the top, illustrating the industry’s increasing diversity. As global audiences continue watching Korean content, these stars are likely to push their earnings even higher in the coming years.
