When it comes to global entertainment, South Korean actresses have become some of the most recognizable stars. Thanks to the K-dramas and korean films worldwide popularity. From romantic comedies to high-budget thrillers, leading actresses are commanding impressive salaries as their popularity continues to grow internationally. But who is the highest paid Korean actress, and how much do these stars earn per episode? Here are several highest paid Korean actress that you need to know!
Highest Paid Korean Actress and Their Reported Earnings
The following actresses are often discussed in relation to high K-drama salaries and commercial influence. The salaries reported online are only estimates and may not reflect how much the actresses actually earn per episode today. Here are their earnings:
1. Jun Ji-hyun
Source: Beautyjournal.id/Website/Image
Jun Ji-hyun, also known internationally as Gianna Jun, is one of South Korea’s most established entertainment stars. According to Enterprise Wired, Jun Ji-hyun’s estimated net worth is $110 Million. The 44-year-old famous Korean actress rose to fame with her role in the romantic comedy film My Sassy Girl (2001). She went on to star in several hit K-dramas including My Love from the Star, The Legend of the Blue Sea as well as the Netflix series Kingdom.
2. Song Hye-kyo
Source: Tatler Asia/Website/Image
Song Hye-kyo is another major contender in discussions about Korea’s highest paid Korean actress. She first gained widespread popularity through earlier television dramas. Song Hye-kyo has starred in several hit K-drama series, including Autumn in My Heart (2000), All In (2003), Full House (2004), That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013), Descendants of the Sun (2016), Encounter (2018), and The Glory (2022), alongside numerous films. According to Enterprise Wired, her estimated net worth is around $60 million.
3. Lee Young-ae
Source: AsianWiki/Website/Image
This 55-year-old beautiful Korean actress became famous for her appearances in the Korean historical drama Dae Jang Geum followed by Park Chan-wook’s crime thriller film Lady Vengeance. According to Business Connect, her net worth is $90 million.
4. Kim Tae-hee
Source: AsianWiki/Website/Image
Kim Tae-hee is widely recognized as one of South Korea’s highest-paid and most admired actresses. She has gained popularity through her performances in hit television dramas, including Stairway to Heaven (2003–2004), Love Story in Harvard (2004–2005), Iris (2009), My Princess (2011), Yong-pal (2015), and Hi Bye, Mama! (2020).
In addition to her successful acting career, she has established a strong presence in the Korean entertainment industry. According to Enterprise Wired, her estimated net worth is approximately $55 million.
5. IU (Lee Ji-eun)
Source: Netflix/Image
Lee Ji-eun also known by her stage name IU signed with LOEN Entertainment (now Kakao Entertainment) in 2007 as a trainee and debuted as a singer at the age of fifteen with the EP Lost and Found (2008). According to Business Connect, her net worth is $50 million.
Also read:
Those are several of the highest paid Korean actresses. The Korean entertainment industry features many successful actresses whose influence extends beyond television screens. While there is no definitive public ranking that establishes one actress as the highest paid Korean actress in every year, these stars demonstrate how acting success and international recognition can translate into substantial earning potential.