Korean drama actors are not just capturing hearts worldwide—they’re also commanding jaw-dropping paychecks. In 2025, Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae now leads the pack as the highest-paid Korean actor, reportedly taking home a record-breaking $1 million per episode for his role in the hit series’ upcoming seasons.
Despite the ups and downs that often come with fame, industry veterans like Kim Soo-hyun and Hyun Bin remain major forces in K-dramas. Kim, who recently starred in Queen of Tears and One Ordinary Day, continues to draw top dollar, earning between $231,250 and $423,000 per episode depending on the project. Even with controversy surrounding his career, his star power remains intact.
Meanwhile, Hyun Bin, best known internationally for Crash Landing on You, is still cashing in on his enduring popularity, reportedly earning $167,000 per episode. Lee Min-ho, another fan favorite often seen in wealthy leading man roles, also earns a similar per-episode rate, reaffirming his place among K-drama royalty.
On the women’s side, Jun Ji Hyun—celebrated for iconic roles in My Love from the Star and Legend of the Blue Sea—maintains her status as one of the highest-paid actresses with a rate of just under $100,000 per episode. Depending on the source, her fee can range from $83,500 to nearly $99,900.
Song Joong Ki, whose resume includes global hits like Vincenzo, Reborn Rich, and Descendants of the Sun, is another top earner with a reported $227,000 per episode. His strategic role choices have helped amass a net worth exceeding $40 million.