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]

Popular YouTube show Maebul Show has apologized after a huge backlash over comments defending relationships with minors, leading to the permanent cancellation of a segment.

On March 18, host Choi Wook opened the broadcast with an apology, saying, "I sincerely apologize for the controversy yesterday. I am truly sorry." He added, "I know an apology should be clear, but if I go into details, it might make things worse and cause more harm to someone. I’m sorry I can’t explain more."

The issue started when Maebul Show discussed shocking claims from Kim Sae Ron’s family. They alleged that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron for six years, starting when she was still a minor.

While Kim Soo Hyun’s side denied the accusations, saying their relationship only started when she was an adult, the discussion took a controversial turn.

Cultural critic Kim Gap Soo made comments that sparked outrage. He said, "Social norms change over time. Should love really have such strict rules? People are making a huge deal out of this as if it's a serious crime. Sometimes there are big age gaps in relationships, and sometimes the woman is older. There are many cases."

He then continued, "Maybe they did date when she was young. Kim Sae Ron started working in the industry early, so she matured faster. She was 16 when she started dating, and Kim Soo Hyun was 27. If it were me, I wouldn’t see her as a romantic partner because she would seem too young, but that’s just a personal preference."

His words immediately caused an uproar, with many accusing him of justifying grooming. Viewers were furious, demanding action.

Maebul Show first tried to edit out the remarks but later faced even more pressure, leading to a full apology on March 18.

Choi Wook then made a big announcement: "The controversial segment will be permanently canceled." He also promised, "I will be more careful with future broadcasts and reflect on this deeply. Once again, I sincerely apologize."

This controversy has shocked many fans, and people are still debating the issue online. What do you think about this situation?

Source (1)