Kim Soo-hyun still tops Korea’s highest-paid actor list in 2025, commanding $423k per episode despite controversies

As K-dramas continue to flood our screens with magic, melodrama, and the occasional bowl of ramen, their stars are only rising higher. Stalwarts like Kim Soo-hyun and Hyun Bin remain firmly planted as bankable leads, while others are quickly catching up. And clearly, not even controversy or a few underwhelming titles can slow them down.

According to reports compiled by Zee News and other sources, here’s a closer look at the top-paid Korean actors and actresses of 2025—and how much they’re really making per episode.

Project: Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3

The Squid Game star is now the highest-paid Korean actor, earning a staggering $1 million per episode. Jung-jae’s leap from cult hit to cultural icon isn’t just about Emmy wins and festival appearances.

Projects: One Ordinary Day, Queen of Tears

Controversy has rocked his image, but the star still managed to hold on to his title of being one of the most bankable actors. In fact, For One Ordinary Day, Tatler Asia reports a $423,000-per-episode fee. For Queen of Tears, The Korea Times estimates $3.7 million for the full 16 episodes—roughly $231,250 per episode.

Ongoing popularity post-Crash Landing on You

Ah, Crash Landing on You still wins, even five years later. With a reported $167,000 per episode (Siasat.com), and a net worth sitting around $21 million, Hyun Bin is playing the long game—and it’s paying off handsomely.

You start your K-Drama journey with a Lee Min-ho show, that’s how it usually goes. The actor, who is known for his vintage chaebol roles, commands the same fee as Hyun Bin: $167,000 per episode. GQ India puts his net worth at a cool $26 million.

Projects: My Love from the Star, Legend of the Blue Sea

Once a queen, always a queen.  Her per-episode rate hovers around ₩110 million, or just shy of $100,000. Siasat.com also notes alternate estimates at $83,500 per episode.

Another one of the most internationally recognised Korean actors, Joong-ki has several acclaimed hits under his belt, which include, Vincenzo, Descendants of the Sun and Reborn Rich. He is reportedly earning ₩300 million per episode, about $227,000. His sharp career moves have helped push his net worth to a reported $40.3 million.