Song Hye Kyo To Go Hyun Jung: Highest Paid Korean Drama Actresses In 2023

As the global phenomenon of K-dramas continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Korean stars have ascended to unprecedented levels of fame. Naturally, the question arises: who stands as the wealthiest among them? Here, we unveil a list of influential and highly paid female actresses who have not only sustained prosperous film careers with millions of devoted fans but have also cemented their status as some of the richest names in Korean entertainment history, leaving an enduring global impact.

Song Hye Kyo 

When we mention the wealthiest Korean actresses, it would be neglectful not to highlight the esteemed Song Hye Kyo. This beloved South Korean actress stands as one of the highest-paid figures in the history of Korean cinema, renowned for her leading roles in Korean dramas. As a prominent Hallyu star, she has secured her position among the richest actresses, boasting an estimated net worth of approximately USD 37 million in 2023. With an extensive portfolio of acting projects, brand collaborations, and lucrative endorsements, the trajectory of her net worth is expected to continue its upward trend over time.

Lee Young Ae

Lee is a standout figure in the Korean entertainment landscape, recognised as one of the most successful actors. In 2021, she took on the role of a cop-turned-insurance investigator entangled in a murder case. Reportedly, the 12-episode K-drama (time travel K-dramas) earned her, approximately USD 160,000 per episode. As one of South Korea's beloved actresses, Lee initially ventured into the industry as a model and appeared in numerous television commercials before achieving breakthrough success in K-dramas and Korean films. For a deeper dive into Lee Young Ae's performances, we highly recommend watching ‘Dae Jang Geum’ and ‘Sympathy for Lady Vengeance.’

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Go Hyun Jung 

Go Hyun-jung, a former Miss Korean runner-up renowned for her record-setting drama ‘Sandglass,’ is believed to earn a fee of approximately USD 85,000 per episode, as per GQ. Despite achieving tremendous success with ‘Sandglass,’ she temporarily stepped away from acting to marry into a wealthy business family. After a complicated divorce, Go Hyun-jung returned to the entertainment scene in 2003, swiftly reclaiming her position at the pinnacle of Korean entertainment.

Jun Ji-hyun

As the first Korean ambassador for the luxury fashion label Alexander McQueen, Jun is credited for elevating Korean entertainment globally, particularly through the classic romantic film 'My Sassy Girl,' which earned her the prestigious Grand Bell Award for Best Actress. Her fame further soared with noteworthy performances in films like 'Il Mare,' 'The Thieves,' 'The Berlin File,' and 'Assassination.'

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While her initial foray into television dates back to 1999, Jun made a significant impact on the small screen with her roles in the popular drama 'My Love from Another Star' and the subsequent 'Legend of the Blue Sea.'

Bae Suzy

Bae Suzy stands among the highest-paid Korean actresses, boasting an estimated net worth of approximately USD 30 million in 2023. With a diverse portfolio of acting projects, brand collaborations, and lucrative endorsements, it's reasonable to anticipate that her estimated earnings will continue to increase over time.

 Credits: Instagram