Once considered one of the most paid stars on Korean television, Hye-kyo song he earned an unprecedented then ₩ 200 million KRW (about $ 148,000 USD) per episode in 2021. Fast forward at 2025, and that figure became the Media of the sectorWith new contracts that further push the boundaries – some in accordance with reports ₩ 1 billion KRW (~ $ 737.000 USD) For episode on OCC platforms such as Netflix.
This rapid increase in the remuneration of celebrities has aroused heated discussions in the Korean online forums. Netizen cites Kim Soo-Hyunthe star of Queen of tearswho presumably signed a ₩ 5 billion of the KRW contract for 16 episodes in 2024, equivalent to ₩ 400 million krw (~ $ 295,000) per episode. For the context, Kim Tae-Hee earned a modest ₩ 40 million krw per episode in 2015or about ₩ 720 million total krw For a 16 episodes drama.
While traditional terrestrial dramas now usually offer ₩ 100–200 million krw per episode, OC giants are guiding the remuneration inflationwith the best stars, according to what reported ₩ 400–500 million krwand in rare cases, up to ₩ 1 billion KRW. These stunning sums meet with an increase in repercussions.
Behind the pomp, the workers in the sector, including the crews of the camera, the scenographer and the lighting staff, still earn completion minimum essential wages. A viral commentary, “The actors now sit, look at the clips, say a few lines and earn tens of millions. In the meantime, the staff cannot even make a minimum wage.”
Critics support him Fans and consumers themselves They are fueling this cycle. From the flow of music and dramas to observe binges to the purchase of goods and photo books, the activity of the fans increases the marketing of the actor and justifies the exorbitant contracts.
“If you want to stop this, stop spending. Don’t look, don’t buy, don’t obsess. The market only answers the question”, “ He wrote a Netizen.
Some also underlined the gender gap in negotiations, with Male stars often command higher commissions. Others have noticed that Hallyu recites popularly in China and international markets Massive land approval affairs, further increasing their evaluation.
From ₩ 40 million krw per episode in 2015 Until now ₩ 1 billion KRWThe increase in remuneration is described as unprecedented in any sector. But while the stars bask in wealth and spotlight, Consumers and production crews have the cost.
While the Korean entertainment industry continues to globalize and attract important OCT investments, many ask for: Is it a model of sustainable growth or a financial bubble waiting to burst?
