Top 5 wealthiest Korean actors: Kim Soo Hyun is in a different league
Kim Soo Hyun, Lee Min Ho, Song Joong Ki… are among Korean actors with the highest net worth.
According to CEO World in 2021, Kim Soo Hyun is the richest Korean actor with a net worth of $117 million, which comes as no surprise because Kim Soo Hyun has been well-known as one of the highest paid A-tier actors in the industry. Kim Soo Hyun‘s net worth is nearly 3 times higher than that of So Ji Sub who ranks 2nd place in the list. The remaining names in the Top 5 include Lee Jong Suk, Lee Min Ho and Song Joong Ki.
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1. Kim Soo Hyun – $117 million
When he starred in My Love From The Star, Kim Soo Hyun made 600 million won from advertising. So far, this number has increased to 800 million won. In Korea alone, Kim Soo Hyun has bagged more than $10 million through 15 advertising and endorsement contracts. With 30 advertisements in the Chinese market, he has earned even more money, up to $81 million.
Kim Soo Hyun is also a top-paid actor. He receives $84,000 per episode. In 2013 and 2015, Kim Soo Hyun entered the Top 5 of Forbes Korea’s most powerful celebrities, at 4th and 2nd place, respectively.
2. So Ji Sub – $41 million
The estimated net worth of So Ji Sub after more than 20 years of working in the industry is $41 million. For each episode, So Ji Sub gets paid $67,100. Although he came in 2nd on the list, So Ji Sub’s net worth is still nearly 3 times lower than Kim Soo Hyun.
3. Lee Jong Suk – $32 million
Starting from 2016, Lee Jong Suk has earned at least 50 million won per episode. With a handsome face and prior modeling experience, Lee Jong Suk also makes banks through commercials and advertising contracts. Since 2020, he has regularly appeared in the rankings of the richest Korean actors with a net worth of $32 million.
4. Lee Min Ho – $26 million
Another A-lister, Lee Min Ho, has a net worth of $26 million. Industry insiders revealed that if brands wanted Lee Min Ho to endorse their products, they would have to pay him $800,000. Lee Min Ho is also one of the highest-paid K-drama actors.
5. Song Joong Ki – $24 million
Song Joong Ki made it into the list of Forbes Korea’s most powerful celebrities in two years, 2013 and 2018, ranked at 7th and 8th place respectively. Hit dramas such as Sungkyunkwan Scandal, Descendants of The Sun, Vincenzo have helped Song Joong Ki become one of the top Hallyu stars, with a net worth of $24 million. On average, for each episode, he earns $50,300.
