Korean stardom is no longer just about K-pop boy bands. While BTS has swept the globe off its feet since 2013, the popularity wave for Korean pop culture isn’t halting just at the music scene. Korean actors and actresses, with their looks and charm, have likewise become a force to reckon with.
And as popularity increases, so do their salaries! The Korean entertainment industry’s list of highest-compensated talent keeps growing. But who led the charts? Well, to answer these questions, we have made a list of 10 actor talents who can proudly claim the title of highest-paid Korean actors in 2025
Highest Paid Korean Actors!
1.Kim Soo-hyun
Earnings: Approximately ₩200 million (around $170,000) per episode.
With his versatility and attractive appearance, Kim Soo-hyun has won the hearts of Korean culture fans across the world and hence is crowned as the Highest Paid Korean Actor. Ever since his debut in 2007, his ability to play various roles, from rom-com protagonists to morally ambiguous gray characters, has earned him a feature in Forbes Power Celebrity under 40 list and the 30 Under 30 Asia list.
Kim Soo-hyun’s Most Notable Works:
- “My Love from the Star”
- “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay”
- “Moon Embracing the Sun”
2. Lee Min-ho
Earnings: Approximately ₩200 million per episode.
Ever since his debut in 2006 with the classic “Secret Campus”, Lee Min-ho, who is the second highest paid korean actor has captured the Korean audience with his charismatic charm on the big screen. His widespread global fame cannot be understated, either; ever since his portrayal of Gu Jun-pyo in Boys Over Flowers, he has been a fan favorite of the global community.
Lim Min-ho’s Most Notable Works:
- “Boys Over Flowers”
- “The Heirs”
- “The King: Eternal Monarch”
3. Hyun Bin
Earnings: Approximately ₩200 million per episode.
Hyun Bin as one of the most paid actors of the Korean entertainment industry has won Baeksang Arts Award for Most Popular Actor in 2020. He gained widespread recognition for his intense portrayal of Kim Tae-pyung in the drama “Crash Landing On You. He has been a favorite with a dedicated fan base ever since his debut role in the 2005 romantic comedy “My Lovely Sam Soon.”
Hyun Bin Most Notable Works:
- “Crash Landing on You”
- “Secret Garden”
- “The Negotiation”
4. Song Hye-kyo
Earnings: Approximately ₩100 million (around $85,000) per episode.
One of the best leading female talents in all of Korean entertainment, if not the entire world. Song Hye-Ko has dominated the Korean industry with outstanding roles in Descendants of the Sun, That Winter, the Wind Blows, Autumn in My Heart, All In, Full House, and The Glory. There is hardly a Korean fan who does not recognize her as a powerful symbol, with a career spanning over two decades.
Song Hye-kyo Most Notable Works:
- “Descendants of the Sun”
- “Encounter”
- “That Winter, the Wind Blows”
5. Ji Chang-wook
Earnings: Approximately ₩100 million per episode.
Known for his devotion to the characters in his plays, Ji Chang-wook has established himself as capable of starring in a wide variety of genres ever since his debut with 2008’s “Sleeping Beauty”. From romantic comedies to thought-provoking thrillers, he as some of the finest -most paid actors has only portrayed roles that resonate with him, which has cemented his status as a leading actor.
Ji Chang-wook Most Notable Works:
- “Healer”
- “Suspicious Partner”
- “The K2”
6. Jun Ji-hyun
Earnings: Historically one of the highest-paid actresses.
Known for sparking an international breakthrough for all of Korean cinema with her romantic comedy film “My Sassy Girl,” Wang Ji-hyun, or Jun Ji-hyun as she is professionally known, was a tremendous sensation across Southeast Asia. For that role, she won the Grand Bell Award for Best Actress in 2015 and has been a household name ever since.
Jun Ji-hyun Most Notable Works:
- “My Sassy Girl”
- “Legend of the Blue Sea”
- “Kingdom: Ashin of the North”
7. Park Seo-joon
Earnings: Approximately ₩100 million per episode.
Merely 36 years of age, yet the winner of the 2015 Blue Dragon Film Popular Star Award, Park Seo-joon is known for his charm and cuteness, earning him a wide range of fans and critical praise. His ability to portray dramatic roles with ease and a commitment to a steadfast work ethic has cultivated a dedicated fan base for him across all of Asia.
Park Seo-joon Most Notable Works:
- “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”
- “Itaewon Class”
- “Parasite”
8. Lee Jong-suk
Earnings: Approximately ₩100 million per episode
Lee Jong-suk, as some of the elitist models in the world, was a star long before he debuted as an actor in Korean entertainment. He was an outstanding runway model, in fact, the youngest male model ever to participate in Seoul Fashion Week. Known for his youthful charm and powerful acting, Lee Jong-suk has won the hearts of fans worldwide.
Lee Jong-suk Most Notable Works:
- “While You Were Sleeping”
- “W: Two Worlds”
- “Romance Is a Bonus Book”
9. Cha Eun-woo
Earnings: Approximately ₩60 million (around $50,000) per episode.
Before his rapid rise to fame in the entertainment industry, he was a prominent member of the boy group ASTRO, earning widespread love from fans. Ever since his debut in cinema, he has been given a nickname “Face Genius” by the media for his striking and exceptionally handsome features.
The youngest entry on the list, Cha Eun-Woo has reached stardom at the young age of just 27.
Cha Eun-woo Most Notable Works:
- “True Beauty”
- “My ID is Gangnam Beauty”
- “Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung”
10. Song Kang
Earnings: Approximately ₩50 million (around $42,000) per episode.
Winner of 2021’s ACA Excellence Award by Asia Contents Awards. With his ability to appeal to younger generations with charm and fascinated older audiences with his range, Song Kang has been called a pillar of the new generation of K-drama actors. They are expected to lead the country’s entertainment industry to global rise in soft power.
Song Kang Most Notable Works:
- “Love Alarm”
- “Nevertheless”
- “Sweet Home”
Final Thoughts
These Korean most paid stars don’t just act for the sake of acting; they aim to captivate the world, taking the industry to new heights on the world stage. And their success is prominently shown in their paychecks. As Korea continues to gather world attention and capitalize on the interest, talents will continue to emerge, reaching a new height.
For more such insights of the entertainment world pin Niche Film Farm.