10 Best Richest Korean Actors: Net Worth & Success Stories

The Korean entertainment industry, a global phenomenon captivating audiences far beyond its borders, owes much of its brilliance to a league of exceptional actors. These stars possess an irresistible blend of charm, style, and versatility. Every role they played left an indelible mark on fans worldwide.

Through their work in blockbuster films, television dramas, and even the dynamic world of music, they have showcased extraordinary talent and amassed staggering fortunes.

Let’s take a closer look at the richest Korean actors who have turned their art into astronomical success, shaping the industry and inspiring millions along the way.

List of Leading Richest Korean Actors

1: Kim Soo-hyun

Net Worth: $117 Million (Estimated)

Earning Per Episode: $423,000

Kim Soo-hyun’s journey from being an introvert to becoming one of Korea’s highest-paid actors is nothing short of inspiring. Starting with supporting roles, he steadily rose to prominence, amassing an estimated net worth of $117 million. He has also earned a spot on Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity 40 list for three consecutive years.

His remarkable performances in Dream High, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, The Producers, and One Ordinary Day have demonstrated his exceptional acting talent and his ability to captivate audiences.

In 2024, Kim Soo-hyun made a return to the screen with the Netflix K-drama Queen of Tears after a three-year hiatus. The series became one of the biggest hits of the year, introducing him to a modern generation of fans and reaffirming him as a global icon.

2: Jun Ji-hyun

Net Worth: $28 Million (Estimated)

Earning Per Episode: $163,000

Jun Ji-hyun, a successful actress and model, has amassed an estimated net worth of $28 million, making her one of the richest Korean actors. She gained significant recognition early in her career and was featured on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list when she was just 17 years old.

Jun’s breakthrough came with her portrayal in the romantic comedy film My Sassy Girl (2001), which made her a sensation across Asia and helped spark an international breakthrough for Korean cinema. Her impressive filmography includes notable works such as Il Mare, Windstruck, The Thieves, and Assassination.

She also gained widespread fame for her roles in hit television series (My Love from the Star and The Legend of the Blue Sea). In 2021, she starred in the popular Netflix series Kingdom and played the role of a national park ranger in Jirisan.

Jun Ji-hyun is also a prominent fashion icon, becoming the first Korean ambassador for the luxury fashion brand Alexander McQueen, further cementing her status as one of Korea’s most influential and successful stars.

3: Lee Min-ho

Net Worth: $26 Million (Estimated)

Earning Per Episode: $62,000

With his charming personality and remarkable talent across various genres, Lee Min-ho has risen to become a global icon, amassing a net worth of $26 million. As a model, vocalist, and actor, he commands a massive fan base worldwide. His breakout role in Boys Over Flowers turned him into a heartthrob across Asia and earned him the Best New Actor – Television trophy at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards.

Lee Min-ho’s impressive work includes popular dramas like City Hunter, Faith, The Heirs, Legend of the Blue Sea, The King: Eternal Monarch, and the internationally acclaimed series Pachinko. These projects have solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile and talented actors in Korean entertainment.

The immense success of his television career has established Lee Min-ho as a top Hallyu star and a key figure in spreading the Korean cultural wave, or Hallyu, worldwide.

4: Hyun Bin

Net Worth: $21 Million (Estimated)

Earning Per Episode: $113,000 (Based on per episode earnings in Secret Garden)

With a net worth of $21 million, Hyun Bin has made marks with his exceptional acting skills and charismatic personality. His career spans various genres, including romantic comedies, fantasy, action, and thrillers.

Hyun Bin’s acting journey began with the film Shower in 2005, though it was never released due to financial constraints. He officially debuted in 2003 with the television series Bodyguard. His breakthrough came in 2005 with the popular drama My Name is Kim Sam-soon, which catapulted him to fame.

Over the years, Hyun Bin has showcased his versatility in notable projects such as Secret Garden, Memories of the Alhambra, and Crash Landing on You. In Crash Landing on You, where he played the lead role, the drama became one of the highest-rated Korean series in South Korean cable television history.

5: Song Hye-kyo

Net Worth: $20 Million (Estimated)

Earning Per Episode: $163,000

Song Hye-kyo, who began her career as a model before transitioning into acting, is celebrated for her beauty, talent, and versatility. With an impressive fortune of $20 million, she has established herself as a leading figure in the Korean entertainment industry.

Song Hye-kyo’s iconic performances in television dramas such as Autumn in My Heart, All In, Full House, The Wind Blows, That Winter, and Encounter have earned her a good fanbase. Her film work is equally notable, with standout roles in Hwang Jin Yi (2007), The Grandmaster, My Brilliant Life, and The Queens.

In recognition of her influence, she ranked 7th on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list in 2017 and rose to 6th in 2018. Beyond acting, Song Hye-kyo is the face of luxury fashion brands like Bottega Veneta, further solidifying her status as a style icon and one of the richest Korean actors.

6: So Ji-sub

Net Worth: $16 Million (Estimated)

Earning Per Episode: $67,100

So Ji-sub began his career as a model for the jeans brand STORM and has since become one of the richest actors in the Korean entertainment industry, with a net worth of $16 million.

His breakthrough came with roles in Korean dramas like Cain and Abel, Master’s Sun, Oh My Venus, and I’m Sorry, I Love You. Notably, his portrayal in I’m Sorry, I Love You catapulted him to overnight fame. Earlier in his career, he gained recognition as the second male lead in the 2002 drama Glass Slippers.

Beyond acting, So Ji-sub has showcased his versatility in various ventures. He authored a photo essay collection titled So Ji-sub’s Journey and has served as the goodwill ambassador for Gangwon Province to promote tourism, as well as a promotional ambassador for cybercrime prevention with the National Police Agency. He also owns the Apgujeong-dong branch of CJ Foodville’s A Twosome Place, further diversifying his portfolio and contributing to his impressive net worth.

7: Lee Seung-gi

Net Worth: $16 Million (Estimated)

Earning Per Episode: $59,000

With a net worth of $16 million (approximately), Lee Seung-gi is an all-rounder who has excelled as a singer, actor, host, lyricist, and entertainer. Renowned for his immersive acting style and excellent chemistry with co-stars, he is one of the richest Korean actors. His accolades include prestigious honors like the Golden Disc Award for music and the Baeksang Arts Award for acting. Since 2010, he has been featured multiple times on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list.

Lee Seung-gi made his musical debut with the hit ballad Because You’re My Girl, which propelled him to fame. In 2005, he ventured into acting with the sitcom Nonstop 5 and officially debuted as an actor in KBS’s 2006 weekend drama The Infamous Chil Sisters.

A true all-rounder, Lee Seung-gi continues to captivate audiences across various fields, solidifying his status as one of the most versatile and beloved figures in the Korean entertainment industry.

8: Lee Jung-jae

Net Worth: $12 Million (Estimated)

Earning Per Episode: $248,000

Lee Jung-jae has risen to global fame with his exceptional acting skills, amassing a net worth of $12 million. He gained international acclaim through Netflix’s 2021 thriller series Squid Game, becoming the first Korean actor to win Best Actor awards at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Critics’ Choice Television Awards, and Primetime Emmy Awards. These accolades cemented his status as a trailblazer in Korean entertainment.

With a career of over three decades, Lee Jung-jae remains one of the most successful actors in the industry. His films have consistently achieved commercial success, and he has received numerous honors for his unforgettable performances. Notable works include Il Mare, Over the Rainbow, New World, and The Face Reader. In 2022, he showcased his versatility by making his directorial debut with the film Hunt, in which he also starred alongside Jung Woo-sung.

Beyond acting, Lee is a savvy businessman. He has launched a chain of restaurants in Seoul and founded several ventures, including the real estate development company Seorim C&D, further solidifying his position as a multifaceted talent and entrepreneur.

9: Zo In-sung

Net Worth: $12 Million (Estimated)

Earning Per Episode: $67,100

Zo In-sung began his career as a model and has since risen to prominence as one of the most acclaimed actors in the Korean entertainment industry, boasting a net worth of $12 million. He landed his first lead role in the drama series Shoot for the Stars and quickly gained widespread recognition.

Zo In-sung has captivated audiences with his performances in popular Korean television dramas such as Something Happened in Bali, Spring Day, and the recent hit Moving. His filmography is equally impressive, including critically acclaimed movies like The Classic, The King, The Great Battle, and Escape from Mogadishu. Along with acting, he showcased his versatility as the host of the reality show Unexpected Business.

As one of the richest Korean actors, Zo In-sung has a devoted fan base that spans the globe, cementing his status as a global icon in the entertainment industry.

10: Yoo Ah-in

Net Worth: $10 Million (Estimated)

Earning Per Episode: $59,000

Yoo Ah-in is a multi-talented actor, creative director, and gallerist with an estimated net worth of $10 million. Known for portraying dynamic and complex characters, Yoo gained widespread fame through the TV drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal. With his striking looks and captivating performances, he has received numerous accolades, including the Asian Film Awards, Fantasia International Film Festival’s Cheval Noir Award, two Blue Dragon Film Awards, and two Baeksang Arts Awards.

Yoo Ah-in’s impressive acting portfolio includes standout works such as Punch, Secret Affair, The Throne, Six Flying Dragons, Burning, #Alive, and Hellbound, each showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.

Beyond acting, Yoo Ah-in is deeply involved in social and artistic activism, leveraging his platform to influence positive change. In 2016, he ranked second on Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity list, cementing his status as a significant cultural figure in South Korea and beyond.