The Korean entertainment industry is in the middle of a golden era, with K-dramas dominating global streaming platforms and Korean stars becoming household names across continents. As the industry grows, so do the paychecks. In 2025, the salaries of top actors have reached unprecedented heights, reflecting both their global influence and the competitive nature of casting the best talent.
From record-breaking fees to consistent high-value performances, here’s a look at the Korean actors who are earning the biggest paychecks this year.
Lee Jung-jae – The Million-Dollar Man
Lee Jung-jae has officially cemented his place as the highest-paid Korean actor of 2025. Riding on the massive success of Squid Game, his return for Seasons 2 and 3 has set a new standard in K-drama salaries.
Reports suggest he is earning around $1 million per episode, a figure that not only surpasses any Korean drama salary before but also rivals Hollywood TV standards. His global popularity, combined with the intense anticipation for the upcoming seasons, has made him an irreplaceable face for the franchise.
For Lee Jung-jae, this is not just about money—it’s about influence. His brand value skyrocketed after Squid Game became a worldwide phenomenon, and in 2025, he stands as the undisputed king of Korean drama earnings.
Kim Soo-hyun – Consistency and Star Power
Kim Soo-hyun has been a top earner for years, and 2025 is no exception. Known for his incredible versatility and box-office appeal, he continues to command one of the highest per-episode rates in the industry.
From legal thrillers to heartwarming romances, Kim Soo-hyun’s projects always generate buzz. His recent performances have brought him paychecks in the $230K–$420K per episode range, making him one of the most bankable actors in Korea.
What makes him remarkable is his consistency—he has stayed at the top for over a decade, weathering changes in industry trends while maintaining his star quality.
Song Joong-ki – The Charismatic Lead
Song Joong-ki has earned his place among 2025’s highest-paid stars through a mix of charm, acting skill, and smart role selection. Known for hits like Vincenzo and Reborn Rich, he continues to attract international fans and lucrative deals.
In 2025, his per-episode fee hovers between $227K and $272K, depending on the production scale. Song Joong-ki’s ability to transform into vastly different characters—from suave anti-heroes to relatable romantic leads—makes him an actor in constant demand.
Hyun Bin – The Global Heartthrob
Hyun Bin’s career has been built on a mix of romantic dramas, action thrillers, and memorable on-screen pairings. His breakout in Crash Landing on You turned him into a global icon, and his subsequent roles have kept him in the high-income bracket.
Currently, Hyun Bin earns around $167K per episode, a testament to his enduring popularity. His name alone is enough to drive massive interest in any project, both domestically and internationally.
Lee Min-ho – The Prince of K-Dramas
Lee Min-ho remains one of the most recognizable faces in Korean entertainment. Known for his romantic drama legacy—from Boys Over Flowers to The King: Eternal Monarch—he has cultivated a loyal fanbase across Asia and beyond.
In 2025, his earnings match Hyun Bin’s at about $167K per episode, proving that his name still carries substantial box office weight. With new projects on the horizon, Lee Min-ho’s star shows no signs of dimming.
Park Hyung-sik – The Rising High Earner
While Park Hyung-sik has long been admired for his charm and acting skills, 2025 marks a turning point in his career earnings. His role in Doctor Slump reportedly brought him nearly $400K per episode, putting him on the map as one of the year’s most surprising top earners.
This leap is a result of both his growing fanbase and his ability to take on diverse roles—from rom-coms to emotionally heavy dramas—making him a hot property for producers.
Why Salaries Are So High in 2025
Several factors have contributed to the surge in Korean drama actor salaries this year:
1. Global Streaming Demand – Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime are investing heavily in K-dramas, pushing production budgets higher.
2. International Fanbases – Korean actors now enjoy audiences in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, allowing for larger promotional reach.
3. Brand Power – Many top actors are also brand ambassadors for luxury fashion houses, beauty products, and tech brands, increasing their overall market value.
4. Limited Supply of Top Talent – There’s fierce competition among production companies to secure proven A-listers who can guarantee viewership.
The Big Picture
The Korean drama industry has always valued talent, but 2025 is a landmark year for just how much top actors are being paid. From Lee Jung-jae’s record-breaking million-dollar episodes to Kim Soo-hyun’s consistent dominance, the financial rewards reflect both the artistry and business power of these stars.
While high salaries are impressive, they also come with immense pressure to deliver hits. For these actors, every project is not just a performance—it’s an investment in maintaining their position at the top of the industry.
2025 is proving to be a year where Korean drama salaries are on par with, and in some cases rival, Hollywood. With global demand showing no signs of slowing down, it’s safe to say that the stars of the Hallyu wave are not just winning hearts—they’re winning at the bank too.
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