Richest Kdrama Actresses of All-Time – Highest Paid for Korean Dramas

Many of the top Korean actresses today have done Korean dramas. However, Korean dramas still face the same challenges as other workspaces in Korea regarding bias and inequality. Korean Dramas regarding the pay gap have been getting a lot of attention over the years and have helped bring much-needed attention to the problem. Now the pay gap is not as wide as it used to be, but there is always room for improvement. Most Korean dramas are led by lead actresses who have played an indispensable role in the rise of Kdramas. Some of the most recognized Kdrama stars are women. Also, some of the wealthiest Kdrama actresses on this list have worked in the industry for decades. Who are the richest male actors in Korean dramas? You can check out that article here. 

Lee Young Ae 

Lee Young Ae is the richest Kdrama actress of all time. She is a Korean actress who has appeared in several films and television dramas. Some of her notable roles include the historical drama Dae Jang Geum and the action thriller Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. Lee began her acting career in the early 2000s and built a formidable work body. In addition to her acting roles, she has served as a judge on the television talent show Superstar K.

Lee Young Ae is considered one of the most successful actresses in Korea and has won numerous awards for her work. As well as being an accomplished actress, she is also known for her philanthropic work and has donated considerable sums of money to various charities. Lee Young Ae is an inspiring figure who truly embodies the Korean saying “Hwalyung-dongsaeng-nim,” which means “Role model for the younger generation.”

She has been working since 1993 and has been very active ever since. She does very few films and mostly sticks with Korean dramas. Her most famous role has to be in the MBC drama Jewel in the Palace. That was not only her best drama until her comeback in 2017 for SBS’s Korean drama Saimdang, Memoir of Colors. She commands one of the highest fees per episode. It is unknown when she will do another Korean drama as she seems to focus more on Korean films moving forward. 

Fee Per Episode: $83,000

Estimated Total Earnings from KDramas: $18 million

Choi Ji Woo 

Choi Ji Woo is one of her generation’s most iconic Korean actresses. She made her debut in the coming-of-age drama First Love and starred in a string of hits, including The Winter Sonata, which propelled her to fame both in Korea and abroad. The most famous Korean drama of all time could be Winter Sonata.  She made her debut back in 1996 and is still working today. Some of her best Korean dramas include Woman with a Suitcase, Second 20s, and The Suspicious Housekeeper.

Choi has cemented her status as a leading lady, appearing in a wide range of genres, from romantic comedies to historical dramas. In addition to her successful acting career, Choi is also known for her charitable work; she is an active supporter of various causes, including children’s rights and animal welfare. With her beauty, talent, and kind heart, it’s no wonder that Choi Ji Woo is one of Korea’s most beloved stars.

Recently she made a cameo on the hit Korean drama Crash Landing on You. She had her first baby in mid-2020. Therefore, don’t expect her to be doing a Korean drama anytime soon. 

Fee Per Episode: $42,000

Estimated Total Earnings from KDramas: $17 million

Song Hye Kyo 

Song Hye Kyo is one of the world’s most popular Korean drama actresses. She first came to prominence with her role in the hit television series Autumn in My Heart, and she has since starred in numerous other successful dramas, including Full House, That Winter, The Wind Blows, and Descendants of the Sun. She has also appeared in films such as My Brilliant Life and The Crossing. In addition to her acting career, Song Hye Kyo is also a successful model and endorsement dealmaker. She has been named one of the most beautiful women in the world by several publications. 

Not only is Song Hye Kyo considered one of the most beautiful Korean drama actresses of all time. She has also made a lot of money making Korean dramas. Song Hye Kyo has won many awards, and most of her dramas have gotten positive reviews from critics. 

Fee Per Episode: $42,000

Estimated Total Earnings from KDramas: $11 million

Jun Ji Hyun 

Jun Ji Hyun is on our list of the most beautiful Korean actresses working today. While Jun Ji Hyun is the highest-paid Korean actress today, she does not do a lot of Korean dramas. She has a very successful Korean film career, but she has done some memorable Korean dramas such as My Love From the Stars and The Legend of the Blue Sea.

She first came to prominence with her role in the hit drama My Love from the Star and has since gone on to star in other beloved shows such as Legend of the Blue Sea and The King Loves. Jun Ji Hyun is known for her natural beauty and impeccable fashion sense, and she is often cited as a style icon by Korean women. In addition to her work in television, Jun Ji Hyun has also appeared in several movies, including The Thieves and Architecture 101. 

If she had a more extended Korean drama filmography, she would quickly rise to the top of these rankings. She starred in the Korean mystery thriller, Cliffhanger, in 2021. It was her Korean drama comeback after five years away.

Fee Per Episode: $84,000

Estimated Total Earnings from KDramas: $10 million

Gong Hyo Jin 

Gong Hyo Jin is a popular Korean actress who has starred in numerous hit dramas such as The Master’s Sun, It’s Okay That’s Love, and The Producers. Born in 1980, Gong got her start in show business as a model before transitioning to acting. She has demonstrated her versatility as an actress, taking on many characters throughout her career. Gong has also become known for her philanthropy work, donating time and money to various causes in recent years. She is widely respected by fans and colleagues alike, and her work has helped to spread the popularity of Korean dramas around the world.

Gong Hyo Jin is known as the “Queen of romantic comedy.” She has proven herself in genres such as romantic comedies, black comedies, and even mystery dramas. She started out as a model but got into acting quickly after. Some of her best Korean dramas include Hello My Teacher, Pasta, and When The Camellia Blooms. She also starred in Crazy Romance, a huge commercial success in 2019. 

Fee Per Episode: $33,000

Estimated Total Earnings from KDramas: $8.5 million

Ha Ji Won 

Ha Ji Won is a Korean actress who has appeared in numerous films and television dramas. She is best known for her roles in the hit series “Secret Garden” and “The Legend of the Blue Sea.” Ha Ji Won was born in 1978 in Seoul, South Korea. In 2003, she landed her first lead role in the romantic comedy “My Lovely Sam Soon.” The following year, she starred in the historical drama “Hwang Jini.” Ha Ji Won has since appeared in many other popular dramas, including “The King 2 Hearts” (2012), “Empress Ki” (2013), and “Descendants of the Sun” (2016). 

However, Ha Ji Won might be most known for her role in the hit Korean drama Secret Garden. She has entertained audiences with her action movie stunts but has always found time for Korean dramas. She has so far won 4 Baeksang Arts Awards, and 2 of those were for her role in What Happened in Bali and Secret. Recently, she has focused more on Korean movies.

Fee Per Episode: $42,000

Estimated Total Earnings from KDramas: $8 million

Park Shin Hye 

Park Shin Hye is a Korean actress who has appeared in several popular dramas, including Pinocchio (2014), Doctors (2016), and Memories of the Alhambra (2018). Born in 1990, Park Shin Hye made her acting debut in the 2003 drama Stairway to Heaven. She quickly gained popularity for her naturalistic performance and went on to star in many hit dramas, including You’re Beautiful (2009) and The Heirs (2013).

She started as a child actor but is now a K-drama veteran. She has done many leading roles in Korean dramas. Some of her best works include Prince Hours, You’re Beautiful, and Heartstrings. We don’t know when she will return to the small screen as her recent Korean films, #Alive, and The Call, were massive hits in Korea and worldwide. 

In recent years, Park Shin Hye has also become known for her work as a philanthropist, working with various charities to support causes such as children’s rights and environmental protection. 

Fee Per Episode: $17,000

Estimated Total Earnings from KDramas: $6 million

Kim Tae Hee 

Kim Tae Hee is one of the most successful actresses in the Korean entertainment industry. She made her debut in the popular drama series “Stairway to Heaven” and has since gone on to star in numerous hit dramas, including “My Love from the Star” and “Yong Pal.” In addition to her acting career, Kim Tae Hee is also a successful model and endorsed various products. 

When you think of the most beautiful Korean drama actress, many think of Kim Tae Hee. She has been in the Korean entertainment industry since 2001. She married the super Kpop star Rain and has not done many Korean dramas. Kim Tae Hee gave birth to her first child in October 2017 and had her second child in September 2019. Hi Bye, Mama! is her first Korean drama in 5 years.

Fee Per Episode: $34,000

Estimated Total Earnings from KDramas: $5.5 million

Shin Min-a 

Shin Min-a is a Korean actress who has appeared in numerous films and television dramas. She is well-known for her work on television, having played leading roles in dramas such as “Oh! My Lady”, “Arang and the Magistrate,” and “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho.” In addition to her acting career, Shin is also a successful model and has endorsement deals. She has been the face of brands such as L’Oreal, Tiffany & Co., and Hyundai. Shin Min-a is a multi-talented actress who has captivated audiences with her beautiful visuals and impressive acting abilities.

Shin Min-a started as a model, then starred in music videos before starting her acting career. She is considered the “sweetheart” of Korean dramas. She brings a lot of personality and sassiness to her roles, making many of her characters very memorable. Her latest Korean Drama is Here, where she stars alongside Lee Byung-hun. 

Fee Per Episode: $25,000

Estimated Total Earnings from KDramas: $3.5 million

Park Bo Young 

Park Bo Young is a Korean actress who is best known for her roles in the hit dramas “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon” and “Oh My Ghostess.” She made her acting debut in the 2005 film “Scout,” and has since appeared in several films and television series. In addition to her acting work, Park is a successful model and singer. She is one of Korea’s most popular young actresses and has won several awards for her work. 

Park Bo Young is one of the cutest and most beloved Korean actresses today. She has a lot of range as she does both romantic comedies and horrors equally well. Some of her best Korean dramas besides Strong Girl Bong-Soon include Oh My Ghost and The Silenced. Expect to see her rise in these rankings with more work. It won’t be a shock to see Park Bo Young break into the top 5 of the richest KDrama Actresses list within the next few years. You can see her latest work in the Korean fantasy romance series One Day Destruction Came Through My Front Door. 

Fee Per Episode: $25,000

Estimated Total Earnings from KDramas: $3 million