K-fever is contagious, and we don’t just assume this. From K-drama to K-pop, the Korean fever has everyone in its grip. The Korean industry has taken over the globe with the quality of dramas and movies they produces each year. With incredible stories and casts, K-dramas are on everyone’s watchlists these days. With such rising demand for K-dramas, the demand for the cast also inevitably rises. Well, Cinetales is here to list the highest-paying South Korean actresses of 2025 who are ruling our hearts.
From Song Hye-kyo’s luxury endorsements to IU’s $55M empire, here’s who’s on top in 2025. In addition to the captivating visuals, K-dramas are also quite profitable. Among the most well-known South Korean actresses leading the charge are those making millions of dollars. Through international sponsorships and impressive episode fees, these women are showcasing their star power and sound business sense. These are the top 10 highest-paid South Korean actresses.
1. Jun Ji-Hyun (Gianna Jun)
Once more making headlines is Jun Ji-hyun, the highest-paid Korean actress who has been everyone’s queen, from My Sassy Girl to My Love From the Star. She is reportedly pulling in nearly $100K per episode, and her total net worth? A cool $120 million. She’s been owning screens for decades, and the fashion world as well. She shared in a recent interview, “I always try to choose roles that challenge me.”
2. Lee Young-Ae
As you may remember her from the famous Jewel in the Palace, she is showing that elegance is ageless in 2025. Though less often seen, Lee Young-ae is still a major player in the business, making $90K an episode, and her $85 million net worth proves that elegance and staying power never go out of style. Young-ae, speaking about balancing roles, “Being a mother, actress, and activist – it’s not easy, but it’s rewarding.”
3. Song Hye-Kyo
With The Glory’s great popularity proven, she’s only getting better. Earning $54K per episode, a $90 million fortune, and brand deals with Fendi and Chaumet, she’s redefining what a comeback looks like. As she once said, “Acting allows me to live many lives, that’s what I love about it.”
4. Lee Ji-Eun (IU)
Indeed, IU is a singer, actress, and style icon. With an estimated net worth of $65 million, she is among the wealthiest Korean celebrities; however, her salary per episode is rarely revealed. IU is a one-woman show thanks to her songs, endorsements, acting engagements, and wise investments. She mentioned in a 2024 feature, “Music, acting, and growth all go hand in hand for me.”
5. Kim Tae-Hee
She’s the definition of “smart success.” With about $37K per episode and a $75 million net worth, she has balanced drama, family life, and multimillion-dollar real estate moves with ease. Classy never looked so strategic. Kim Tae-hee on her low-key lifestyle, “Success doesn’t come from being busy. It comes from being intentional.”
6. Park Shin-Hye
Park Shin-hye’s been in the spotlight forever, and her career’s been solid from the start. From The Heirs to Sisyphus: The Myth, she’s built a fortune of around $60 million, thanks to hit dramas, smart investments, and global brand deals. Her consistency is what truly sets her apart. As she mentioned about her career longevity, “I’ve never rushed anything in my career. I believe in growing slowly but surely.”
7. Bae Suzy
Once part of Miss A, Bae Suzy has transformed into a top-tier actress. With dramas like Start-Up and big-name campaigns with Dior and Lancome, her net worth now sits around $55 million. Fans adore her girl-next-door vibe, and brands love her even more. No wonder she’s called the “Nation’s First Love.” Suzy, reflecting on her journey, “People think I got lucky, but I’ve been working since I was 15. This isn’t luck, it’s love and hard work.”
8. Han So-Hee
If you’ve ever seen The World of the Married or My Name, you know Han So-hee isn’t just a pretty face; she’s bold, beautiful, and has barely just begun. With an estimated worth of $40 million, she’s a rising force in both acting and fashion. She’s young, fearless, and one of the most in-demand stars right now. In a Vogue Korea interview, Han So-hee said, “I’m not afraid to play complicated women. I think we need more of them on screen.”
9. Jeon Yeo-Been
Jeon Yeo-been is not the loudest in the room, but when Jeon Yeo-been shows up, she delivers. Known for Vincenzo and indie hits, she’s got critics and fans on her side and about $20 million in the bank. Quiet power? Absolutely. Jeon Yeo-been about her acting choices, “I’m drawn to roles that feel uncomfortable. That’s where the magic is.”
10. Kim Go-Eun
From Goblin to Little Women, Kim Go-eun has a gift for emotional storytelling. Add to that some seriously high-end fashion deals (Chanel, no less), and she’s earned every bit of her $18 million net worth. Understated but unforgettable. On keeping it real, Kim Go-eun said, “I don’t chase popularity – I chase good stories. If people feel something, I’ve done my job.”
More Than Just Paychecks
These women are doing way more than just acting. They’re making bold moves in business, turning heads in the fashion world, and giving back through philanthropy. Whether it’s launching their own brands, fronting global ad campaigns, or supporting meaningful causes, they’re proving that their influence goes far beyond the screen. And with K-dramas now taking over platforms like Netflix and Disney+, the whole world is watching, and these women are showing everyone how it’s done.
K-Fever Won’t Die Anytime Soon!
With their incredible salaries and record-breaking roles, these top actresses are redefining what it means to be K-drama stars of 2025. We applaud their unmatched popularity, talent, and success. What do you think about these actresses? Did the K-fever hit you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
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