Top 10 Richest and Highest-Paid K-Drama Actors in 2025
The Hallyu wave has evolved into a global tsunami, and at its crest are the charismatic leading men of Korean television. These actors are not just cultural icons; they are powerful brand assets and astute businessmen commanding staggering paychecks. As we move through 2025, the financial landscape of the industry has reached new heights.
But who truly sits on the throne? This definitive list breaks down the top 10 richest and highest-paid K-drama actors of 2025, analyzing their net worth, record-breaking per-episode fees, and the blockbuster projects that cemented their status.
What Puts an Actor on This List?
A place among this elite group isn’t just about one big hit. We’ve considered a combination of factors:
- Per-Episode Fee: The direct paycheck for a drama series.
- Net Worth: Total assets, including real estate, investments, and endorsements.
- Endorsement Royalty: Lucrative deals with global and domestic brands.
- Business Ventures: Profits from their own production companies or other businesses.
The Top 10 Richest & Highest-Paid K-Drama Actors in 2025
10. Park Seo-joon
The Global Ambassador
After his successful foray into Hollywood with The Marvels, Park Seo-joon’s international appeal has skyrocketed. While he’s selective with dramas, his brand power is undeniable.
- Net Worth: ~$12 Million
- Estimated Per-Episode Fee: $150,000 – $200,000
- Cash Kings: A long-standing “blue-chip” endorser for brands like Korean Air, Domino’s Pizza, and numerous fashion labels. His global ambassador roles are his biggest earners.
9. Song Kang
The Netflix Darling
As one of Netflix’s most bankable Korean stars, Song Kang has become synonymous with binge-worthy romance and fantasy. His consistent output on the global platform commands a premium.
- Net Worth: ~$8 Million
- Estimated Per-Episode Fee: $140,000 – $180,000
- Cash Kings: Massive social media influence translates to high-value endorsement deals in cosmetics, apparel, and tech. His partnership with Netflix ensures a steady, high income.
8. Hyun Bin
The Veteran Powerhouse
A legend in the industry, Hyun Bin’s status was permanently cemented by the global phenomenon Crash Landing on You. While he takes on fewer projects, his fees are at a veteran’s premium.
- Net Worth: ~$35 Million
- Estimated Per-Episode Fee: $200,000 – $250,000
- Cash Kings: Along with his drama fees, he is a shareholder in his own agency, VAST Entertainment, and has legendary endorsement deals, particularly in luxury goods.
7. Lee Jong-suk
The Comeback King
Returning from military service with the hit drama Big Mouth, Lee Jong-suk re-established his dominance in the industry. His unique appeal and acting chops make him one of the most sought-after names.
- Net Worth: ~$18 Million
- Estimated Per-Episode Fee: $220,000 – $270,000
- Cash Kings: A fashion icon with countless endorsement deals. His agency, A-Man Project, also gives him a significant share of his earnings.
6. Kim Soo-hyun
The Ratings Guarantee
After the monumental success of Queen of Tears in 2024, Kim Soo-hyun reaffirmed his position as a ratings magnet. Producers know that casting him is a near-guarantee of a massive hit.
- Net Worth: ~$45 Million
- Estimated Per-Episode Fee: $700,000 – $800,000
- Cash Kings: His per-episode fee is one of the highest in the industry. He is also the face of everything from fried chicken to luxury watches, commanding over $1 million per endorsement.
5. Cha Eun-woo (ASTRO)
The Icon Multihyphenate
As a superstar idol, actor, and visual icon, Cha Eun-woo’s brand is a powerhouse. His lead roles in popular dramas are complemented by his immense revenue from music and endorsements.
- Net Worth: ~$15 Million
- Estimated Per-Episode Fee: $180,000 – $230,000
- Cash Kings: His true wealth comes from his idol activities with ASTRO and, crucially, his unrivaled portfolio of endorsements. He is often called the “CF King” for his dozens of advertising contracts.
4. Lee Min-ho
The Hallyu Pioneer
A household name across Asia for over a decade, Lee Min-ho’s wealth is built on a foundation of iconic hits and long-term, high-value endorsements. His global fanbase is one of the most loyal and lucrative.
- Net Worth: ~$50 Million
- Estimated Per-Episode Fee: $250,000 – $300,000
- Cash Kings: Owns a luxury apartment in the famous “K-Star Hill” in Seoul. His production company, MYM Entertainment, manages his career and investments, ensuring a large portion of revenue flows back to him.
3. Song Joong-ki
The Box Office & Streaming Titan
Song Joong-ki seamlessly transitions between blockbuster films and high-profile dramas like Reborn Rich. His projects are not just hits; they are cultural events that break viewership records.
- Net Worth: ~$55 Million
- Estimated Per-Episode Fee: $600,000 – $700,000
- Cash Kings: Along with his massive acting fees, he is a savvy investor in production companies and tech startups. His endorsement fee is among the highest in Korea.
2. Lee Chae-min
The Rising Investment Prodigy
While still building his leading man filmography, Lee Chae-min has made headlines in 2025 for a different reason: his astonishingly savvy investment portfolio. Following his well-received role in the hit series The Love of a Royal Prince, he has leveraged his earnings into highly profitable tech and real estate ventures, making him one of the youngest wealthiest actors in the scene.
- Net Worth: ~$11 Million
- Estimated Per-Episode Fee: $90,000 – $120,000
- Cash Kings: His net worth is propelled not by acting fees alone, but by his early investments in a successful AI startup and a popular chain of eco-friendly cafes. His “boy-next-door” image makes him a favorite for youth-oriented fashion and tech endorsements.
1. Lee Seung-gi
The All-Round Emperor
Lee Seung-gi isn’t just a top actor; he is a triple-threat entertainer—a renowned singer, a top-tier MC, and a successful businessman. This diversification, combined with his acting success in dramas like The Law Cafe, creates a revenue stream unmatched by his peers.
- Net Worth: ~$70 Million
- Estimated Per-Episode Fee: $300,000 – $400,000
- Cash Kings: His income is a perfect storm: high drama fees, lucrative singing and MCing contracts, and his ownership of his entire music catalog. Furthermore, his public victory in a financial dispute with his former agency highlighted his business-minded approach, leading to even more profitable independent ventures.
The Bottom Line
The K-drama industry’s financial power continues to grow, and these actors are at the forefront. While per-episode fees are breaking records, the true mark of wealth in 2025 is diversification. The actors who top this list aren’t just stars; they are CEOs of their own brands, making strategic moves in production, investment, and global expansion.
The throne is no longer just for the best actor, but for the smartest entrepreneur.
Who do you think is the most deserving of the top spot? Let us know in the comments below!
