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Highest-Paid Korean Actresses in 2026: Salaries, Net Worth, and Global Power

Article Summary: The highest-paid Korean actresses earn huge fees from hit dramas, global streaming deals, and luxury brands. See who tops the list in 2026 and why their pay keeps rising.

Korean dramas continue to draw in fans from around the world, with the highest-paid Korean actresses leading the charge. Stars like Jun Ji-hyun grab headlines with fees of around $ 300,000 per episode, thanks to hits like My Love from the Star, which still streams in high numbers on Netflix. Their pay reflects huge demand from global viewers hooked on romance, action, and family stories.

These women earn top dollar not just from acting. Major fashion houses such as Gucci, Fendi, and Dior pay them millions for campaigns that run worldwide. Older dramas also bring in steady income through reruns and licensing deals. Song Hye Kyo, for example, balances film and series roles with long-term luxury partnerships that add consistent value to her earnings. Public appearances, magazine covers, and international fan events further increase their yearly income.

Fees are expected to rise significantly by 2026 as platforms compete for K-content. Actresses now see 15-20% jumps from deals with Netflix and Disney+, plus extras from music and business ventures. In this article, we have curated a list of the 15 highest-paid Korean actresses, including their ages, earnings, net worth, income breakdowns, key works, and Instagram stats. Additionally, you will build a perspective on streaming power and wise investments.

Evolution of K-Drama Paychecks

Korean dramas took off years ago, but actresses’ paychecks have grown at a very different pace. In the early 2010s, even the most popular female leads earned around $40k-$50k per episode on major broadcast networks. Salaries were capped by local advertising revenue and strict production budgets. That ceiling began to crack when Jun Ji-hyun starred in My Love from the Star. Her reported fee exceeded previous limits, demonstrating that a single actress could simultaneously drive ratings, overseas sales, and brand interest. Producers began to view lead actresses as revenue generators, not just cast members.

Fees stayed relatively stable for several years because global distribution options were limited. Most dramas relied on domestic broadcasts and delayed overseas licensing. That changed after Netflix entered the Korean market aggressively. Shows like Kingdom, Crash Landing on You, and later Squid Game brought instant worldwide reach. By 2023 and 2024, top actresses began earning $200k or more per episode, especially on streaming originals. International reruns and licensing deals added steady income from markets such as the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia, long after shows finished airing.

By 2026, the average fee for the lead actress had risen another 15% year over year. Netflix and Disney+ compete for exclusivity, often offering higher base pay plus global performance bonuses. Short-form clips on YouTube and social media platforms generate additional revenue streams. Brand endorsements now match or exceed acting income for many stars. Bae Suzy and Song Hye-kyo combine dramas with music, films, and long-term luxury contracts, turning once modest episode fees into lasting wealth over time.

15 Highest-Paid Korean Actresses in 2026: Salaries, Net Worth, Rankings

1. Jun Ji-hyun

Highest-Paid Korean Actresses in 2026: Salaries, Net Worth, and Global Power | Enterprise Wired — Source – soompi.com

Age: 44
Per Episode Fee: $300,000 (₩400,000,000)
Net Worth: $110 million
Primary Income Sources: Drama fees, global fashion endorsements, film royalties, real estate investments
Notable Works: My Love from the Star, My Sassy Girl, The Thieves, Assassination
Instagram Followers: 15 million

Jun Ji-hyun’s position at the top of the highest-paid Korean actresses list in 2026 reflects a career built on timing, reinvention, and sustained global relevance. While many actresses peak early, Jun has managed to remain commercially dominant across multiple generations of viewers. Her defining role in My Love from the Star transformed her into a global figure, particularly among Western audiences discovering Korean dramas through Netflix. The series combined romance, fantasy, and visual style in a way that made it endlessly rewatchable, keeping her presence strong long after its original run.

Beyond television, Jun Ji-hyun’s film career has delivered repeated box office success, with titles like The Thieves and Assassination proving her ability to anchor large-scale productions. Her long-standing relationship with Gucci places her among a select group of Asian actresses with actual global luxury influence. Real estate investments and her independent agency, PEACHY Company, give her rare control over project selection and earnings. In 2026, she remains a benchmark for what sustained star power looks like in the Korean entertainment industry.

2. Song Hye-kyo

Age: 45
Per Episode Fee: $250,000 (₩330,000,000)
Net Worth: $60 million
Primary Income Sources: Film and drama salaries, luxury endorsements, rerun royalties
Notable Works: Descendants of the Sun, The Glory, Full House
Instagram Followers: 18 million

Song Hye-kyo’s career reflects longevity paired with careful reinvention, keeping her firmly among the highest-paid Korean actresses well into 2026. She first gained international recognition through romantic dramas like Full House, but her global breakthrough came with Descendants of the Sun. The series later surged in popularity on Netflix, especially among Western viewers during peak streaming years, and continues to generate licensing revenue.

Her recent work in The Glory marked a deliberate shift toward darker, emotionally demanding roles, earning critical praise and expanding her appeal beyond traditional romance audiences. Off-screen, Song’s earnings are strongly supported by luxury fashion partnerships, particularly with Fendi, where her image aligns with understated global elegance. With consistent film projects, international campaigns, and a highly engaged social following, Song Hye-kyo remains one of Korea’s most commercially reliable stars.

3. Lee Young-ae

Age: 55
Per Episode Fee: $220,000 (₩290,000,000)
Net Worth: $90 million
Primary Income Sources: Syndication royalties, luxury endorsements, selective acting roles
Notable Works: Jewel in the Palace, Lady Vengeance
Instagram Followers: 5 million

Lee Young-ae’s earnings power is rooted in legacy rather than volume, placing her comfortably among the highest-paid Korean actresses decades into her career. Jewel in the Palace remains one of the most syndicated Korean dramas of all time, continuing to generate revenue through international broadcasts, cultural programming, and streaming libraries. Western audiences often encounter the series as an entry point into early Hallyu storytelling.

Although Lee appears on screen selectively, her presence carries prestige that few can match. Luxury skincare, watch, and heritage brands frequently seek her for campaigns targeting mature global consumers. Her career demonstrates how a single, culturally defining role can create financial stability that lasts for decades, even without constant output.

4. Kim Tae-hee

Age: 45
Per Episode Fee: $200,000 (₩265,000,000)
Net Worth: $55 million
Primary Income Sources: Endorsements, selective drama roles, advertising campaigns
Notable Works: Stairway to Heaven, Hi Bye, Mama
Instagram Followers: 8 million

Kim Tae-hee’s earnings reflect a strategy built on selectivity rather than frequency. Her early success in Stairway to Heaven established long-term international recognition, particularly in markets such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where the series remains widely streamed. That early exposure continues to support licensing revenue and brand visibility years after the initial launch.

More recently, Hi Bye, Mama allowed Kim to explore emotionally complex material that resonated with global viewers drawn to family-centered narratives. A significant portion of her income now comes from high-value endorsement deals with consumer and technology brands. By limiting her screen appearances and focusing on premium partnerships, Kim Tae-hee maintains strong earning power without oversaturating her image.

5. Han Ji-min

Age: 39
Per Episode Fee: $180,000 (₩240,000,000)
Net Worth: $40 million
Primary Income Sources: Drama salaries, brand endorsements, streaming royalties
Notable Works: Our Blues, Familiar Wife, Behind Every Star
Instagram Followers: 12 million

Han Ji-min’s rise to the top among the highest-paid Korean actresses is closely tied to her reputation for emotionally grounded performances. Our Blues found strong international traction, particularly among Western audiences who tend to gravitate toward character-driven storytelling over spectacle. Her work often centers on realistic relationships, which translates well across cultures.

Familiar Wife gained renewed attention on Netflix, where its themes of regret and second chances resonated widely. Han Ji-min complements her acting income with advertising contracts while maintaining a low-key public image that reinforces audience trust. Her consistency and careful project choices keep her firmly in the upper echelon of earnings.

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6. Son Ye-jin

Age: 44
Per Episode Fee: $170,000 (₩225,000,000)
Net Worth: $35 million
Primary Income Sources: Drama royalties, film salaries, beauty endorsements
Notable Works: Crash Landing on You, Thirty-Nine, The Classic
Instagram Followers: 10 million

Son Ye-jin’s global recognition is inseparable from Crash Landing on You, one of the most-watched Korean dramas on Netflix worldwide. The series introduced her to millions of Western viewers and continues to generate licensing and rerun revenue. Its success also elevated her value in subsequent streaming negotiations.

Beyond television, Son has maintained a strong film presence, adding depth to her career portfolio. Endorsements with premium beauty and lifestyle brands align with her polished image. By carefully selecting roles and maintaining a balanced public presence, she continues to secure high earnings without overexposure.

7. Park Min-young

Age: 39
Per Episode Fee: $160,000 (₩210,000,000)
Net Worth: $30 million
Primary Income Sources: Streaming drama fees, fashion endorsements, advertising campaigns
Notable Works: Marry My Husband, Forecasting Love and Weather, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
Instagram Followers: 9 million

Park Min-young’s placement among the highest-paid Korean actresses is the result of sustained relevance rather than a single breakout hit. She has spent years building a reputation for modern romance and workplace dramas that consistently perform well on global streaming platforms. While earlier successes, such as What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, established her as a reliable lead, her later projects have successfully expanded her appeal to a much broader international audience. These titles continue to circulate through global licensing deals, which help drive her long-term revenue well after the cameras stop rolling.

Her recent drama Marry My Husband marked a turning point by leaning into darker, revenge-driven storytelling that resonated strongly with online audiences. Short clips from the series quickly spread across social platforms, attracting Western viewers who may not have previously followed K-dramas. Beyond acting, Park Min-young’s polished, fashion-forward image supports steady endorsement income from beauty and lifestyle brands. This combination of streaming visibility and commercial partnerships keeps her earnings competitive well into 2026.

8. Kim Ji-won

Age: 33
Per Episode Fee: $150,000 (₩200,000,000)
Net Worth: $28 million
Primary Income Sources: Drama salaries, international licensing, brand endorsements
Notable Works: Queen of Tears, Arthdal Chronicles, My Liberation Notes
Instagram Followers: 11 million

Kim Ji-won’s rise into the upper pay bracket has been driven by her ability to anchor both emotionally intense dramas and large-scale productions. While she gained early attention through supporting roles, her transition into lead territory accelerated with character-driven series that appealed to international audiences. My Liberation Notes showcased her restraint and emotional depth, earning praise from viewers who favor subtle storytelling over spectacle.

Her global profile expanded significantly with Queen of Tears, which became one of the most discussed Korean series across Netflix markets in North America and Europe. The show’s sustained popularity reinforced her value as a lead actress capable of carrying long-form narratives. Earlier involvement in epic projects, such as Arthdal Chronicles, also demonstrated her range, making her attractive to both traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms. Endorsement deals and international licensing now form a growing share of her income, solidifying her place among Korea’s top earners.

9. Bae Suzy

Age: 32
Per Episode Fee: $140,000 (₩185,000,000)
Net Worth: $25 million
Primary Income Sources: Acting fees, music royalties, luxury brand endorsements
Notable Works: Start-Up, Architecture 101, While You Were Sleeping
Instagram Followers: 20 million

Bae Suzy’s earning power is built on her rare ability to transition seamlessly between acting and music, providing her with multiple high-value income streams. Her early film success in Architecture 101 established her as a box-office draw, while television roles gradually expanded her reach across Asia. This foundation positioned her well when streaming platforms began pushing Korean content globally.

Start-Up proved especially influential with Western audiences, thanks to its focus on entrepreneurship and modern work culture. The series attracted viewers outside the typical romance-focused K-drama crowd, increasing Suzy’s international visibility. Alongside acting, her music catalog continues to generate steady royalties, and her long-standing relationship with Dior firmly establishes her within the global luxury space. With a massive social following and diversified income, Suzy remains one of the most commercially flexible figures in Korean entertainment.

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10. Park Bo-young

Age: 36
Per Episode Fee: $130,000 (₩170,000,000)
Net Worth: $22 million
Primary Income Sources: Drama fees, endorsements, streaming royalties
Notable Works: Strong Woman Do Bong-soon, Daily Dose of Sunshine, A Werewolf Boy
Instagram Followers: 7 million

Park Bo-young’s career has been defined by audience trust and emotional consistency, qualities that translate well across cultures. Her long-standing popularity stems from roles that strike a balance between warmth and vulnerability, allowing viewers to connect deeply with her characters. Strong Woman Do Bong-soon remains one of the most rewatched romantic comedies on streaming platforms, particularly as global fans frequently look up the highest-paid Korean actresses to see where their favorite leads rank.

In contrast, Daily Dose of Sunshine introduced Park to Western audiences through a more serious lens, tackling mental health themes with sensitivity and restraint. This shift demonstrated her range and reinforced her credibility beyond romantic comedy. Endorsements tied to her approachable image provide steady supplemental income, while streaming royalties keep earlier projects financially active. By alternating between comforting roles and socially relevant storytelling, Park Bo-young maintains both creative respect and financial stability.

11. Han So-hee

Age: 30
Per Episode Fee: $120,000 (₩160,000,000)
Net Worth: $25 million
Primary Income Sources: Streaming drama fees, luxury brand campaigns, international licensing
Notable Works: My Name, Gyeongseong Creature, The World of the Married
Instagram Followers: 14 million

Han So-hee’s evolution from supporting roles to major lead work underscores her rising profile among the highest-paid Korean actresses. Her career began with more minor appearances but took a definitive turn with emotionally charged and physically demanding roles. Her breakthrough in The World of the Married established her as a force to be reckoned with on cable television, where she captured attention for her intensity and commitment. She further broadened her range in the international market with My Name, a Netflix original that introduced her to global viewers as a complex and fierce protagonist.

In 2023 and 2024, Gyeongseong Creature strengthened her brand by showcasing her in genre work that appealed to horror and thriller fans worldwide. Beyond acting, So-hee’s growing involvement with luxury fashion labels, including her role as a global ambassador for brands like Balenciaga and Omega SA, reinforces her influence beyond the screen. These partnerships, combined with her drama fees, contribute to a diversified income stream that keeps her in high demand. With 14 million Instagram followers, her social presence complements her roles and brand work, helping her remain one of the most talked-about actresses internationally.

12. Kim Go-eun

Age: 35
Per Episode Fee: $110,000 (₩145,000,000)
Net Worth: $20 million
Primary Income Sources: Drama and film salaries, international licensing, endorsements
Notable Works: Little Women, Exhuma, Guardian: The Great and Lonely God
Instagram Followers: 6 million

Kim Go-eun has established herself as both a critically respected actress and a reliable presence in productions that travel well internationally. Over the past decade, her willingness to take on diverse roles — from fantasy to thriller to emotional drama — has made her name familiar to global audiences. Little Women(2022) showcased her ability to drive complex ensemble casts, and horror titles like Exhuma demonstrated her flexibility across genres that draw viewership from outside Korea.

Her early fame in beloved series like Guardian: The Great and Lonely God (also known as Goblin) helped set the stage for long-term recognition, creating touchpoints for new viewers discovering her work through streaming platforms. While her Instagram base of 6 million may appear modest compared to some of her peers, her audience is highly engaged, responding to her thoughtful posts and glimpses into her artistic process. As Korean content continues to spread globally, Kim Go-eun’s balanced body of work positions her both commercially and artistically among the top tier of actresses in Asia.

13. Park Shin-hye

Age: 36
Per Episode Fee: $100,000 (₩130,000,000)
Net Worth: $18 million
Primary Income Sources: Film and TV roles, endorsements, streaming deals
Notable Works: #Alive, Doctor Stranger, Memories of the Alhambra
Instagram Followers: 13 million

Park Shin-hye’s rise from child actor to one of the most recognizable Korean faces globally underscores her enduring appeal among the highest-paid actresses in Korea. Debuting in early 2000s dramas, she grew up on screen and gradually developed a body of work that spans action thrillers, romantic dramas, and inventive series blending suspense with character depth. Projects like Doctor Stranger and Memories of the Alhambra contributed to her visibility outside Korea, especially in Southeast Asia and Western regions, where streaming recommendations introduced her work to new audiences. #Alive further solidified her cross-market appeal with a film that resonated especially in international thriller circles.

Her 13 million Instagram followers reflect long-term support, often applauding her personal insights into both career and life milestones. Park’s philanthropic work and public engagement also add to her profile in meaningful ways. Balancing mainstream roles with select endorsements helps her remain competitive in earnings while maintaining artistic integrity in role selection.

14. Shin Min-ah

Age: 38
Per Episode Fee: $95,000 (₩125,000,000)
Net Worth: $15 million
Primary Income Sources: Drama salaries, commercials, fashion, and lifestyle partnerships
Notable Works: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Our Blues, Chief of Staff
Instagram Followers: 8 million

Shin Min-ah has steadily built a career marked by relatable characters and strong audience connection, earning her a place among the highest-paid Korean actresses. Her work in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Our Blues resonated deeply with international audiences, particularly those who seek emotionally grounded storytelling with a gentle blend of humor and heart. Her ability to bring warmth and subtlety to her roles has made her a consistent pick for both directors and advertisers.

Beyond acting, Shin Min-ah is known for representing lifestyle and fashion brands that align with her perceptive, graceful public persona. Her Instagram feed blends polished editorial work with personal moments, creating an approachable image that still translates to commercial impact. She may not command the highest per-episode fees compared to some of her peers. Still, her combined revenue streams and international appeal make her a high-value presence in Korean entertainment.

15. IU (Lee Ji-eun)

Age: 33
Per Episode Fee: $90,000 (₩120,000,000)
Net Worth: $45 million
Primary Income Sources: Music royalties, acting fees, endorsements, album sales
Notable Works: Hotel Del Luna, When Life Gives You Tangerines, Broker
Instagram Followers: 25 million

Although ranked fifteenth by per-episode fees, IU’s total earnings rival those of many of the highest-paid Korean actresses due to her extraordinary music career and enduring cultural reach. Widely regarded as one of South Korea’s most influential solo artists, her discography provides a financial backbone that few in the industry can match. Her acting roles—particularly Hotel Del Luna—introduced her to global audiences through uniquely charismatic parts, blending supernatural fantasy with heartfelt storytelling.

Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines further expanded her screen presence by casting her in a high-profile period project that garnered both domestic and international critical acclaim. Off-screen, IU’s endorsements and her position as a cultural ambassador amplify her market value well beyond typical drama pay. Her 25 million Instagram followers testify to a global fan community invested in both her music and visual storytelling, ensuring she remains a winner regardless of where she sits on the official salary list.

Global Streaming Impact

Streaming platforms changed how the highest-paid Korean actresses earn their money. Netflix began buying K-dramas around 2016, but hits like Squid Game in 2021 sent fees skyrocketing. By 2026, shows pull in billions of hours watched, and stars get bigger cuts from global views.

Queen of Tears led with over 200 million views in its first week. Kim Ji-won and her co-star banked extra from bonuses tied to numbers. Crash Landing on You continues to rake in royalties years later, with over 1 billion hours of total viewing time. Platforms pay top actresses 30% more than local TV because US and European fans binge entire seasons.

Western viewers crave the mix of romance, family fights, and twists. Strong Woman Do Bong-soon went viral for its fun superpowers, while Gyeongseong Creature drew horror buffs. Disney+ jumped in with Marvel-style Korean projects, pushing fees up another 10%. YouTube clips and TikTok trends add fan donations and ad shares. This global pull means one hit can double an actress’s yearly take.

Rising Stars to Watch

Young actresses are quickly rising to the ranks of the highest-paid Korean actresses in 2026. These under-30 and late-30 risers secure Netflix deals and viral roles that quickly boost their fees. They mix idol looks with real acting chops to challenge the top list.

Kim So-hyun (26): Pulls $80K per episode after Queen of Tears spin-offs. A fresh school-to-stardom path hooks Gen Z on TikTok and Netflix youth slots.
Park Eun-bin (33): Hits $70K fees with hospital dramas. Tomorrow brought supernatural saves that kept Western fans up late. IU mentored her start; now, luxury watches call.
Roh Jeong-eui (25): Under-30 bonus pick with viral revenge thrillers. Agents see a 50% fee jump by 2027 from Netflix exclusives.
Bonus: These names, blending cute idols with deep roles, are set to steal veteran spots soon.

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Conclusion

Korean dramas dominate screens worldwide, and the highest-paid Korean actresses fuel that fire with talent and business sense. Jun Ji-hyun leads with record fees, while rising stars like Kim So-hyun close in fast. Streaming cash, brand power, and wise investments lock in their fortunes for years to come.

These women turn one significant role into lifelong paydays. Fans from the US to Europe binge-watch their shows, share clips, and buy ads featuring the stars. That global love keeps fees climbing and opens doors to Hollywood crossovers down the road.