No More Overpaid K-Drama Actors? South Korea Calls for a Change!

Some popular K-Drama actors have been severely overpaid in the last few years and Korean production companies are now calling for a change. It's not just them though, Korean netizens also voiced their concerns saying that South Korean entertainment is in no way as big as Hollywood and yet the stars are getting paid just as much.

[lucbauer]

that's why kdramas are flooded by product placement in a ridiculous way.

[hrcdana]

Kim soohyun being one of the highest paid actor is understandable cause his acting is oscar worthy ❤

[maryandjoe]

Kim soo hyun's dramas make billions all over the world, Yes he's worth 9 million and more

[imminii]

Many dramas that I watch are only bcoz of well-known actors. For example, my demon. I wouldn't have watched it or dropped it in between if there were lesser known actors. But in dramas like queen of tears, I don't think idol turned actors would have done a good job. The casting is perfect for this drama.

[robtucker]

Actually all of this is easily fixed… keep the pay low and add a percentage based on profitability.

[roselcanine]

Kim soo hyun ...deserve his pay.when he acts u get the feeling ur not just watching but also immersed in the situation.

[souljourney]

Huge Hollywood paychecks and egos have ruined the movie/tv industry here in the US. Hollywood actors and actresses are feeling the pain since there is no longer any demand for them here. The roles are few and far between because the costs became too high, and they became too hard to work with. People are exhausted by their demanding behavior and affecting the quality of the work they are putting out. People have quit supporting them at the movie theaters, stopped going tot heir appearances, and they are not buying the products they are endorsing. I hope the South Korean movie/tv Industry is not trying to follow in Hollywood's footsteps. The top Korean stars will find out soon enough that people will loose interest and move on to keep their love of Kdramas going. There is already a production slow down with fewer filming projects in South Korean due to the costs. Many stars are complaining that they had no issues getting regular work in the past, but are now finding it very difficult. As a Kdrama fan I will keep watching no matter who the lead role goes to BECAUSE in my opinion the writers and character development has always been top quality no matter who the star is.

[dorothylaw]

Honestly I feel that some of these actors are worth this money. However junior actors do need to be paid a decent wage. Don't know what the answer is. I mean in the West some actors are paid ridiculous amounts of money in comparison.

[ohhhhmydarling]

Is this why it's taking up to 3 years for dramas to be produced? Back in 2019, dramas were being made in 3-6 months. This new system is incredibly harmful to the production of dramas and takes the fun out of it for the viewers. Who wants to wait years to see the next drama from your favorite actors?

[justmemehhh]

If they can’t afford those actors don’t hired them! It’s the same idea in the US, famous actors in the US gets paid more than less famous actors, due to their huge fan based that will watch their movies. Do you think a movie will be profitable if actors casted are unknown or no name yet in the industry, that’s the reality in the entertainment business!

[jeannep.]

I feel bad for the Supporting actors! They should amend and set a regulations on Actors compensation.

[vipteume]

actors who are highest paid earn that because of their greatness with hardwork and great effort.. and kim soo hyun is so kind for reducing his fee for queen of tears

[kmevents]

Kim Soo Hyun unquestionably deserves every dollar he earns!

[cecille]

He is a great actor. Deserves the talent fee for the extraordinary acting skills he brings into the role. That being said, everyone deserves to be given a fair share for their talent. Koreans are good actors. A lot of kdramas are worth watching.

[homer-wrgc]

Who will watch a kdrama if the lead actors are unknown to viewers?

[robtucker]

I am all for artists making money but I am also very concerned about the fact changing world of Korean Dramas… it’s already clearly happening and it’s not all positive. In fact, much of the western influences in K Dramas are not a positive thing….

[junayedalam]

I am on the both side, I think big stars deserve to get paid more and, I also get that production cost needs to stay in balance so, all the staffs, supporting actors get paid well too. But, I don't see any solution because I don't know how television earn their revenue or profit, my little guess would be sponsors and ott rights. Big stars can reduce their salary but, I don't see it as a core solution. Like it is easy for movies like big star can reduce salary and take profit share from box office. And, right now how Netflix and, Disney dominating Korean TV industry the salary will jump higher then ever. Another thing it would be a bad comparison to compare Korean actors salary with Japanese actors salary because, I mean it no big secret, these kdrama stars we are talking about they are mad popular worldwide, like the Japanese stars mention in the video, no offence but i don't know any of them.

[karenwallace]

He deserves to get paid that 9.6 million . He is really a great actor.

[thanaaabdullah]

Set a fixed price for all actors that’s universal add on a handsome bonus if the dramas does well and exceeds the production budget. That’s how you keep things fair and balanced across the board. The pay should also have rankings for rookies, supporting roles and seniors.

[shondiaevans]

There is a disparity in lead vs. supportive sectors- This normal. You are paying for name and experience. Nonetheless, Queen of Tears would NOT be the success it is, without Kim Soo-Hyung.