Top 10 Highest-Paid Korean Actors in 2025

Korean dramas and films have achieved worldwide popularity through their emotional storytelling, impressive visual effects, and talented actors. The Hallyu wave has made these actors famous through Netflix and worldwide fan support, which results in substantial financial rewards for their acting skills. The actors of 2025 use their charm and acting skills to draw in big audiences while representing the modern entertainment industry trends. The following list presents the ten most lucrative actors in the industry according to current news reports.

How These Stars Splash Their Cash

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The stars who earn large amounts of money also use their wealth to make substantial purchases. The stars choose to live with city views through their large windows. Their car collections typically consist of customized Range Rovers, and they buy expensive homes in Gangnam and Cheongdam-dong neighborhoods of Seoul because these locations provide themorsches and Ferrari models, which serve as status symbols. 

Their investments focus on two main areas: establishing production companies and supporting tech startups, and acquiring real estate that will increase in value. The stars dedicate their time to philanthropy by making large donations that support children's education, animal welfare, and disaster response efforts following major floods.

Their relaxation time brings complete extravagance to their activities. The actors choose to play golf at Jeju Island's beautiful golf courses instead of working on their scripts. The stars choose to travel by air to the Maldives beaches and Swiss chalets for brief getaways. A few celebrities experience their excitement through online casino games, which provide poker tables and slot reels between their acting work. The most popular sites provide a wide game selection and exceptional bonus structures (source: https://ko.pokerstrategy.com/online-casinos/casino-games-sites/). They balance their careers with personal pleasures to stay level-headed. 

1. Lee Jung-jae

Squid Game brought Lee Jung-jae to fame, showing him as a role model for actors throughout Korea and across the world. The actor received $1 million per episode for his work in "Hunt" and "Squid Game" during seasons two and three. The actor maintains audience interest through his ability to deliver dramatic performances with emotional depth.

2. Kim Soo-hyun

Kim Soo-hyun's "Queen of Tears" and "One Ordinary Day" performances have touched many. Earning roughly $423,000 per episode, Kim's charm holds strong. He connects by adding real emotion to each character.

3. Song Joong-ki

The two revenge dramas starring Song Joong-ki, titled "Reborn Rich" and "Vincenzo", generate $227,000 in revenue per episode. The combination of action and emotional depth in his performances attracts viewers from Asia and worldwide because of his broad appeal and strategic role selection.

4. Hyun Bin

Hyun Bin is quite famous for his roles in romance stories. The actor earned $167,000 from each episode of "Crash Landing on You". The audience appreciates his work because he succeeds in both action and romantic roles. His performances create new trends that attract fans from every corner of the globe.

5. Lee Min-ho

"The King: Eternal Monarch" and "Pachinko" are two of his most notable shows. The actor received $167,000 for each episode he appeared in these productions. Lee Min-ho gained international fame after "Boys over Flowers", when his successful dramas and international advertising contracts made him a global celebrity.

6. Park Hyung-sik

Great in shows like "Doctor Slump" and Strong "Woman Do Bong-soon". He earns about $60,000 per episode, judging by his recent work. He has a youthful charm and brings something special to his characters, maybe because he used to be an idol singer. He's good at fun, positive stories, and is becoming more and more well-known.

7. Ji Chang-wook

Ji Chang-wook's choice of roles shows his wish to try new things. He doesn't stay in his comfort zone, and this makes him admired by viewers and critics alike. His talent in bringing characters to life, combined with his ability to connect with viewers on an emotional level, has solidified his place as a leading actor.

8. Park Seo-joon

The actor dedicates his complete energy to his comedic and dramatic performances in "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim" and other television shows. The actor earns $170,000 for each episode he participates in. Through his down-to-earth nature and comedic abilities, he develops relatable characters that attract viewers from different parts of the world.

9. Gong Yoo

Gong Yoo's drama like "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" made him $170,000 per episode. He excels at portraying deep characters in fantasy and horror, which connects viewers across the globe.

10. Lee Byung-hun

Lee Byung-hun earns more than $200,000 from each production he works on, beginning with "Mr. Sunshine" and continuing through his Hollywood appearances in G.I. Joe. The actor has gained recognition through his work connecting Korean cinema to global productions, which enables him to deliver authentic depth in every performance.