The Korean entertainment industry has taken the world by storm, with K-Dramas gaining massive international popularity. With streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+ investing heavily in Korean content, top actors are earning staggering amounts through drama fees, endorsements, and business ventures. Let’s take a look at the richest Korean actors in 2025 and how they’ve built their wealth.
Top 10 Richest Korean Actors in 2025
1. Kim Soo-hyun – $120 Million
Kim Soo-hyun is the highest-paid Korean actor, earning up to $600,000 per episode. He gained global fame through My Love from the Star and It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. His wealth comes from acting, luxury endorsements (Dior, Samsung), and real estate investments.
2. Lee Min-ho – $110 Million
Lee Min-ho became a household name with Boys Over Flowers and continues to dominate with projects like Pachinko. His income sources include dramas, global brand deals (Gucci, BOSS), and his production company.
3. Song Joong-ki – $95 Million
Best known for Descendants of the Sun, Song Joong-ki has maintained his stardom with Reborn Rich and Hollywood projects. His wealth comes from acting, endorsements, and real estate investments.
4. Hyun Bin – $90 Million
After Crash Landing on You, Hyun Bin’s popularity soared. His earnings include acting fees, luxury endorsements (Omega, Tom Ford), and investments in real estate.
5. Ji Chang-wook – $75 Million
Known for Healer and The K2, Ji Chang-wook earns millions from dramas, action films, and endorsements for brands like Calvin Klein.
6. Lee Jung-jae – $65 Million
Following the success of Squid Game, Lee Jung-jae signed Hollywood deals and became the first Korean actor to direct a blockbuster film. He also has major real estate investments.
7. Park Seo-joon – $60 Million
Park Seo-joon rose to fame with Itaewon Class and entered Hollywood with The Marvels. His earnings come from dramas, films, and endorsements with brands like Chanel.
8. Gong Yoo – $55 Million
With legendary roles in Goblin and Train to Busan, Gong Yoo continues to be one of Korea’s highest-paid actors. He earns from acting, endorsements, and investments.
9. Lee Byung-hun – $50 Million
A veteran in the industry, Lee Byung-hun has balanced his career between Hollywood (G.I. Joe, Squid Game 2) and Korean cinema. He owns a production company and multiple business ventures.
10. Song Hye-kyo – $45 Million
One of Korea’s richest actresses, Song Hye-kyo gained global fame from Descendants of the Sun and The Glory. She earns from high drama fees, endorsements (Fendi, Chaumet), and business ventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the richest Korean actor in 2025?
Kim Soo-hyun is the richest Korean actor, with an estimated net worth of $120 million.
- How do Korean actors make money?
They earn through acting fees, brand endorsements, real estate investments, and personal business ventures.
3. Which Korean actor has the highest drama fee?
Kim Soo-hyun holds the record, earning up to $600,000 per episode.
4. Who is the most famous Korean actor internationally?
Lee Min-ho, Hyun Bin, and Song Joong-ki are among the most recognized Korean actors worldwide.
5. What luxury brands endorse Korean actors?
Actors partner with brands like Gucci, Dior, Omega, Samsung, and Chanel for endorsements.
6. Which Korean actor has the best business investments?
Hyun Bin and Lee Jung-jae have made significant real estate investments, while Song Joong-ki and Lee Byung-hun own production companies.
7. Do Korean actors earn more than K-Pop idols?
Yes, top actors like Kim Soo-hyun and Lee Min-ho often earn more than K-Pop idols, particularly through endorsements and acting fees.
8. Are Korean actors working in Hollywood?
Yes, actors like Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game), Park Seo-joon (The Marvels), and Lee Byung-hun (G.I. Joe) have made Hollywood appearances.
Conclusion
Korean actors are not only dominating the entertainment industry but also building massive wealth through global projects and strategic investments. With the demand for K-Dramas increasing worldwide, their fortunes are expected to grow even further.
