Here is our list of K-drama celebrities who topped the rank for being the richest actors and actresses.
Kim Soo Hyun - USD 110 million
This year, Kim Soo Hyun is the richest celebrity in Korea. Because of his success in TV dramas, he is considered as a top Hallyu star, and he is a true CF star, earning approximately KRW 100 billion for his roles as well as his Chinese advertisements.
He became a household name in 2011 after starring in the teen musical drama "Dream High," but he got international recognition for his character in "My Love From the Star."
He placed fourth in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list in 2013, then second in 2015, while fifth in 2016.
Kim Jaejoong - USD 88 million
Han Jae-Joon is Kim Jaejoong's original name before the Kim family adopted him. He started as a singer and subsequently transitioned to acting and appeared in several dramas, namely "Dr. Jin," "Sunao ni Narenakute," "Protect the Boss," "Triangle," "SPY," and most recently, "Manhole." He also starred in films, such as "Heaven's Postman" and "Jackal is Coming. "
When he was fifteen, he moved to Seoul by himself to take part in the auditions held by SM Entertainment. Life was difficult, but poverty did not stop him from pursuing his dream. He did several odd jobs to pay for rent, food, and even training fees. While doing so, he appeared as an extra in movies.
Hard work really pays off and even got himself several luxury cars upon his success. In 2014, he bought a building for USD 7 million. And in 2015, he started his own fashion company, called MOLDIR. He also owned coffee shops and a Japanese restaurant chain, Bum's Story.
Lee Young Ae - USD 52 million
Lee Young Ae began as a model and debuted as an actress in the 1993 drama "How's Your Husband?" and won Best New Actress at the SBS Drama Awards. She was highly recognized for her role in the historical drama "Dae Jang Geum," which became a top-rated drama for having an average viewership rating of 46.3%.
Besides being a model and an actress, she has also been involved in several charities. She became a spokesperson for the "Love Donation" project, hosted by Woman Chosun magazine in 2012, and donated a huge sum of money for building a school in Myanmar.
Rain (Jung Ji Hoon) - USD 49 million
Jung Ji Hoon, popularly known as Rain, is a South Korean singer-songwriter, actor, and music producer. He debuted as an actor in the 2003 drama "Sang Doo! Let's Go To School," and got the lead role for the pan-Asia hit "Full House." He also starred in Hollywood films "Speed Racer" and "Ninja Assassin."
Rain then appeared in the Chinese drama "Diamond Lover" with co-star Tiffany Tang. This 24-episode drama reached 3.3 billion views online.
He is married to actress Kim Tae Hee.
Choi Siwon - USD 44 million
Choi Siwon is a member South Korean boy group Super Junior and is known simply for Siwon. Aside from being a singer, he also participated and landed lead roles in the Korean dramas "Oh! My Lady," "Poseidon," "Revolutionary Love," and "My Fellow Citizens!" He also appeared in Chinese Films, such as "Helios," "To the Fore," and "Dragon Blade."
Siwon is considered as "one of South Korea's most sought-after singers and actors. In 2019, he became UNICEF's regional ambassador for East Asia and the Pacific. Prior to that, he has been committed as a special representative of UNICEF Korea for four years.
He came from a wealthy family that owns several Hyundai Department Store chains. Aside from this, the majority of his income is from China. He has endorsed companies like Seoul Milk, Black Jacket, 12 Plus, and many more.
Song Hye Kyo - USD 31 million
Song Hye Kyo's success in television dramas internationally has helped her rise to become the top Hallyu star. She has headlined a lot of television dramas, namely "Full House," "Autumn in My Heart," "All In," "That Winter, the Wind Blows," "Descendants of the Sun," and Encounter."
The actress always makes her way to the big screen, including "Hwang Jin Yi," "The Grandmaster," "My Brilliant Life," as well as Chinese films "The Crossing" and "The Queens."
Aside from being an actress, she actively participates in voluntary work, especially with anima, and regularly takes part in Korea Animal Rights Advocates (KARA) activities.
Go Hyun Jung - USD 30 million
The actress debuted in the entertainment scene as a Miss Korea runner-up in 1989 and starred in the critically acclaimed drama "Hourglass." After the success of "Queen Seondeok and Daemul," she became one of Korea's highest-paid actress on TV.
After her contract with De Chocolate E&TF expired in 2010, she then set up her talent agency, called IOK Company. Not only that, but she also launched her own fashion brand, atti.k. Later on, she launched her own cosmetics line, koY.
