The earnings of top Korean actors per episode have become a hot topic online.

Recently, an online post titled The Male Actor Who Earns 500 Million KRW Per Episode revealed that Park Hyung Sik was paid 500 million KRW (~$375,000 USD) per episode for his role in JTBC’s Doctor Slump. Originally debuting as a member of ZE:A, Park Hyung Sik later became a successful actor.

He has starred in many dramas, including The Heirs, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Happiness, Our Blooming Youth, Doctor Slump, and his latest work, SBS’s Buried Hearts.

In Buried Hearts, he plays a genius with an extraordinary memory who seeks revenge after being betrayed. His intense performance has impressed many fans.

With the rise of OTT (over-the-top) streaming content, actors’ skyrocketing salaries have shocked netizens.

Kim Soo Hyun reportedly earned 500 million KRW per episode for Coupang Play’s One Ordinary Day and around 300 million KRW (~$225,000 USD) per episode for tvN’s Queen of Tears.

This means he likely made around 4 billion KRW (~$3 million USD) from One Ordinary Day and 5 billion KRW (~$3.75 million USD) from Queen of Tears.

Meanwhile, other big names also earn huge amounts per episode:

Park Bo Gum and IU – 500 million KRW for Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines
Choi Min Sik – 350 million KRW (~$260,000 USD) for Disney+’s Big Bet
Song Joong Ki – 300 million KRW (~$225,000 USD) for JTBC’s Reborn Rich

At the top of the list, Lee Jung Jae secured the highest per-episode earnings in Korea, reportedly making 1 billion KRW (~$750,000 USD) per episode for Netflix’s Squid Game Season 2.

Netizens reacted with mixed feelings:

“This is why people dream of becoming celebrities.”

“Park Hyung Sik makes 500 million KRW per episode? Wow.”

“Lee Jung Jae’s earnings are insane.”

“No need to worry about celebrities’ financial struggles.”

“They must be working incredibly hard to earn that much.”

“I’m just jealous.”

What are your thoughts?

Source: [1]

Park Bo Gum had an emotional moment on air during the recording of The Seasons - Park Bo Gum's Cantabile.

On April 18, the KBS 2TV music talk show featured musical actors Cha Ji Yeon and Park Eun Tae. During the show, Park Bo Gum asked Cha Ji Yeon to perform a song from the popular musical Seopyeonje.

Cha Ji Yeon responded by singing "Shimcheongga" live, and the powerful performance moved Park Bo Gum to tears.

While trying to hold back, he jokingly said, "My eyes are just dry," but the emotion was clear in his voice as he added, "It’s an honor."

Park Bo Gum shared how hearing the song brought back memories of when he was a student and had the chance to experience the performance up close.

He continued, “Your voice has power, and it’s like a precious gem that no one else can replace.”

The rare moment of vulnerability led to a temporary pause in the show, as the emotional atmosphere took over the set. Fans were moved by his genuine reaction, highlighting his deep appreciation for the arts.

Source: [1]