18 Apr Highest-Paid K-Drama Actors in 2025 – Top 10 Stars and Their Per-Episode Salaries

The Korean drama industry continues to soar, and so do the salaries of its top actors. In 2025, the global popularity of K-dramas has created a competitive landscape where star power directly translates into record-breaking per-episode earnings. This article highlights the top 10 highest-paid K-drama actors this year, based on their per-episode fees, with details on recent dramas and endorsement deals that elevate their market value.

1. Lee Jung-jae – ₩1 Billion (≈ $800,000) Per Episode

Lee Jung-jae shattered records by earning ₩1 billion per episode for Squid Game Season 2. His global fame from the original Netflix series led to international awards and luxury brand deals.

Recent Dramas: Squid Game, Squid Game 2 (upcoming).

Endorsements: Gucci global ambassador; Hollywood crossover via Star Wars: The Acolyte.

2. Park Hyung-sik – ₩500 Million (≈ $400,000) Per Episode

Park Hyung-sik reached the top tier of actor earnings through his role in Doctor Slump, matching Kim Soo-hyun’s previous record.

Recent Dramas: Our Blooming Youth, Doctor Slump, Buried Hearts (2025).

Endorsements: Dubai Tourism campaign; Bench fashion ambassador.

3. Kim Soo-hyun – ₩300–500 Million (≈ $250,000–420,000) Per Episode

Once Korea’s highest-paid actor, Kim Soo-hyun remains among the top. He agreed to a lower rate for Queen of Tears due to a strong creative team.

Recent Dramas: One Ordinary Day, Queen of Tears.

Endorsements: Prada, Jo Malone, Homeplus. A recent controversy affected some brand deals.

4. Park Bo-gum – ₩500 Million (≈ $400,000) Per Episode

Park Bo-gum returned with a record deal in When Life Gives You Tangerines. His fan base and brand appeal helped secure the salary.

Recent Dramas: Record of Youth, When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025).

Endorsements: CELINE global ambassador; strong branding reputation (the “Park Bo-gum Effect”).

5. IU (Lee Ji-eun) – ₩500 Million (≈ $400,000) Per Episode

IU became the highest-paid K-drama actress with her role opposite Park Bo-gum in the Netflix drama set to release in 2025.

Recent Dramas: Hotel del Luna, When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025).

Endorsements: Gucci global ambassador; Samsung, Chamisul soju, and charitable reputation.

6. Choi Min-sik – ₩350 Million (≈ $270,000) Per Episode

Choi Min-sik earned this amount for Casino on Disney+, marking his return to drama after decades in film.

Recent Dramas: Casino (2022–2023).

Endorsements: Minimal. His value comes from cinematic prestige.

7. Song Joong-ki – ₩300 Million (≈ $230,000) Per Episode

Song Joong-ki maintained top-tier earnings with his performance in Reborn Rich, one of JTBC’s highest-rated dramas.

Recent Dramas: Vincenzo, Reborn Rich.

Endorsements: Louis Vuitton, Jeju Air, Kolon Sport.

8. Song Hye-kyo – ₩200 Million (≈ $168,000) Per Episode

Song Hye-kyo reached peak acclaim again with The Glory, securing top female actor status.

Recent Dramas: Now, We Are Breaking Up, The Glory.

Endorsements: Fendi, Chaumet, Sulwhasoo.

9. Jun Ji-hyun – ₩200 Million (≈ $168,000) Per Episode

Jun Ji-hyun maintains her top-tier rate even during breaks from acting. Her CF income keeps her in high demand.

Recent Dramas: Jirisan, cameo in Kingdom.

Endorsements: Louis Vuitton, Piaget, and over 20 brands in 2022 alone.

10. Lee Young-ae – ₩200 Million (≈ $160,000) Per Episode

Veteran actress Lee Young-ae continues to command top rates due to her legacy and selective project choices.

Recent Dramas: Inspector Koo.

Endorsements: The History of Whoo (luxury skincare), Chopard jewelry.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, Korean actors are not only earning massive per-episode fees, but also leading global campaigns for luxury brands. With streaming platforms investing heavily in Korean content, these stars are setting new records. From Lee Jung-jae’s billion-won paychecks to IU’s historic achievement as the highest-paid actress, K-drama actors are reaching international heights.

As Korean dramas continue to expand globally, these top earners are redefining the standards of stardom and setting the stage for future talent to follow.

WRITTEN & CURATED BY OZZIE SMALL