Jun Ji Hyun is not only the richest k-drama actress but she's getting richer by the minute thanks to her lucrative career as an advertising model. The Korea Broadcast Advertising Corporation recently released a consumer research report that chose her as their favorite model of the year.
She earned 15.9 percent of the corporation's vote, while previous favorite miss A's Suzy Bae ranked second. Jun Ji Hyun's "You Who Came From The Stars" co-star Kim Soo Hyun was in third place with 6.7 percent of the vote.
Earlier this year, The Korea Institute of Advertising also placed Jun Ji Hyun first in the list of desirable advertising models, edging out previous winner Suzy Bae.
Jun Ji Hyun, who began modeling at age 16, is currently featured in a variety of ads shown throughout Asia. She can be seen in advertisements for beer and chicken, which was her character's favorite meal in the alien-human romance drama. She can also be seen in ads for websites, water, refrigerators, smartphones, TVs and furniture, which have nothing to do with her drama role.
Since "You Who Came From The Stars" ended Jun Ji Hyun and Kim Soo Hyun have earned almost $30 million in endorsement deals. They are especially sought after in China.
Although Jun first came to the attention of drama directors after appearing in a commercial for ink jet printers, critics have commented that she should focus less on modeling and spend more time on her acting career. But her work balance this year seems to indicate that she has successfully managed both. She won praise for her memorable comic role as the self-absorbed star in "You Who Came For The Stars" and she earned lots of money.
And while that advertising and drama money may come in handy, Jun Ji Hyun does not really need it. The wealth-tracking website named Chaebul.com, says that the appraised value of buildings owned in Seoul by Jun Ji Hyun is worth about $13 million. When it comes to celebrities, Jun Ji Hyun ranks fourth in real estate holdings, behign Lee Soo Man of SM Entertainment, YG's Yang Hyun Suk and pop icon Seo Taiji.
Jun Ji Hyun also married well. Her husband Choi Jun Hyuk is a well-connected wealthy banker and her brother-in-law is married to the daughter of Singapore's wealthiest multi-millionaire.
Next year the actress will star in the film "Assassination."