10 most successful Korean actors
We all love Korean actors. It is amazing how they can be the perfect combination of sexy and adorable. Looks aside, Korean actors are also talented, as most of them even bag wins and nominations from international film organizations. Who are the top 10 most successful Korean actors?
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Korea is an enormous industry when it comes to show business. The term "Korean Wave" or "Hallyu" is coined after the popularity of Korean movies and television. This does not come as a surprise to many. This is because of the various talented people that are dedicated to telling a good story on top of high production values and handsome Korean actors.
Korean popular culture has taken over the internet by storm. Their television series, movies, and music are patronized everywhere, especially by the teenage demographic.
Who are the most famous Korean actors working today? The top Korean actors take a spot in this list are the ones who noticeably stand out among a legion of other talented actors either by having a really big fanbase or being the highest-paid for each appearance in a television series or film. Note that while this is a numbered Korean actors list, the numbers are not indicative of any ranking in any criteria.
1. Lee Joon-Gi
First on the list is Lee Joon-Gi. The flower boy icon Lee Joon-Gi is known for playing the charming prince in historical dramas. These include "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" (2016), "Joseon Gunman" (2014) and "Scholar Who Walks the Night" (2015). Lee Joon-Gi is one of the few Korean actors who can bring the right amount of charm and intimidation in his roles. Avid fans note that he looks like he's born to bring Korean historical drama into our screens!
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The actor rose to popularity after his role in "The King and the Clown" (2005), a historical drama movie about two clowns apprehended by their king on the grounds of mockery. The clowns soon find themselves in a downward spiral as they attempt to redeem themselves by making the king laugh.
The money that he earns for his projects is no joke. Lee Joon-Gi is paid around $45,500 per episode in his dramas.
Profile summary of Lee Joon-Gi
- Name: Lee Joon-Gi
- Birthday: April 17, 1982
- Age: 37 years old
- Birthplace: Busan, South Korea
- Astrological sign: Aries
- Nationality: South Korean
- Marital status: Single
- Height: 178 cm (5'10")
- Net worth: $1 Million - $5 Million (Approx.)
2. Yoo Ah-In
The handsome actor Yoo Ah-In is not only known for his good looks, but also for his ability to be more versatile in his roles in movies and television shows. This is evident when he takes on roles that stray from your typical handsome prince when he played a rebellious high school student in the coming-of-age film "Punch" (2011). The movie depicted Do Wan-deuk's melodramatic journey to maturity.
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Fans love his other popular movies including the blockbuster "Veteran" (2015) and the period drama "The Throne" (2015). In television, the actor has appeared in many successful series such as the romantic drama "Secret Love Affair"(2014), and historical epic "Six Flying Dragons" (2015).
The actor's talent is truly a force to be reckoned with. Presently, he makes approximately $58,700 per episode that he appears in.
Profile summary of Yoo Ah-In
- Name: Uhm Hong-sik (professionally known as Yoo Ah-In)
- Birthday: October 6, 1986
- Age: 33 years old
- Birthplace: Nam-gu, Daegu, South Korea
- Astrological sign: Libra
- Nationality: South Korean
- Marital status: Single
- Height: 179cm (5'10")
3. Lee Jong-Suk
Jumpstarting his showbiz career with modelling at the age of 15, Lee Jong-Suk has eventually become one of the most sought-after actors working in the industry. After making his debut on Korean television in the series "School 2013" (2012), he began to emerge as one of the industry's most talented actors, reaping awards for his performances in film and television.
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Avid followers of the actor recognize him for his iconic roles in the comedy series "Pinocchio" (2014), and fantasy drama "While You Were Sleeping" (2017). In 2017, the actor starred in "V.I.P" a crime-thiller film directed by acclaimed director Park Hong-Jung. In the movie, he played the character of Kim Gwang-Il, a son of a North-Korean political figure.
Given the talent that Lee Jong-Suk is, it is no wonder that he gets paid so much for his roles. It is estimated that he makes around $50, 300 per episode of a television series.
Profile summary of Lee Jong-Suk
- Name: Lee Jong-Suk
- Birthday: September 14, 1989
- Age: 30 yeard old
- Birthplace: Suwon-si, South Korea
- Astrological sign: Virgo
- Nationality: South Korean
- Marital status: Single
- Height: 186cm (6'1")
- Net worth: $200,000 (estimated)
4. Lee Seung-Gi
Lee Seung-Gi is not only a handsome feast for the eyes, but he is a treat for the ears too. The gorgeous actor began his career in the industry as a singer in South Korea. His iconic song "Because You're My Girl" is from his debut album "The Dream of a Moth" (2004). Needless to say, the song was a sweet and lovely serenade to his millions of fans around Asia, specifically in the Philippines. His musical ventures earned him his well-deserved title, the "Ballad Prince".
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The gorgeous actor is known for his many appearances in several entertainment shows such as "1 Night 2 Days" (2007), "Strong Heart" (2009) and in Netflix's variety show "Busted" (2018). In 2019, Lee Seung-Gi starred in the television series "Vagabond", where he played the character of Cha Dal-Gun, a stuntman who teams up with the NIS in his quest for justice for his nephew.
The multi-talented actor is estimated to make around $58,700 per tv appearance. His high talent fee is well-deserved given the number of devoted fans he has acquired over the years.
Profile summary of Lee Seung-Gi
- Name: Lee Seung-Gi
- Birthday: January 13, 1987
- Age: 32 years old
- Birthplace: Banghak-dong, Seoul, South Korea
- Astrological sign: Capricorn
- Nationality: South Korean
- Marital status: Single
- Height: 182cm (6'0")
- Net worth: $3 Million (Approx)
5. Song Joong-Ki
Casual fans recognize Song Joong-Ki as Captain Yoo Si-Jin aka Big Boss from the hit Korean series "Descendants of the Sun" (2016). However, the actors most loyal followers would know that he rose to popularity for his role in the historical drama "Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)".
In 2012, the actor cemented his name as one of Korea's most sought-after actors after he appeared in the critically-acclaimed hit "A Werewolf Boy". His performance in the film earned him a nomination for the Best Actor Award during the 49th Baeksang Arts Awards.
Source: Instagram
Over the years in his career as an actor, he has appeared in many major television and movie productions. He has a big contribution in drawing tourism to South Korea by being the Korean Tourism Honorary Ambassador by the Korea Tourism Organization. Song Joong-Ki's popularity also made him a very prominent brand endorser for many major products such as Sprite, Baskin-Robbins ice cream, and VIVO smartphones.
Given what a big name he is in South Korea right now, it does not come as a surprise why the actor would have such an expensive talent fee. He is reported to be making 60 million won ($50,300 USD) per episode in television.
Profile summary of Song Joong-ki
Name: Song Joong-Ki
Birthday: September 19, 1985
Age: 34 years old
Birthplace: Secheon-dong, Daejeon, South Korea
Astrological sign: Virgo
Nationality: South Korean
Marital status: Married (to Descendants of the Sun co-star Song Hye-Kyo since October 31, 2017)
Height: 178cm (5'10")
Net worth: $4-5 Million (estimated)
6. So Ji-Sub
So Ji-Sub is another actor in this list who jumpstarted his career in modelling. After a brief period of endorsing lingerie brand STORM in 1995, he rose to popularity after starring in the romantic drama series "I’m Sorry, I Love You" (2004). The handsome actor also made his name known to a wider audience after starring in the hit series "Cain and Abel" (2009). The series was based on the biblical story of Adam and Eve's first two sons, Cain and Abel.
Source: Instagram
The actor is also known for his music, having released many singles such as "Foolish Love", "The sound of Memory", "So Love", and "Cola Bottle Baby"
Being the talented and renowned actor and musician that he is, it is no surprise why he would be making $67,000 per episode on television.
Profile summary of So Ji-Sub
- Name: So Ji-Sub
- Birthday: November 4, 1977
- Age: 42 years old
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Astrological sign: Scorpio
- Nationality: South Korean
- Marital status: Single
- Height: 182cm (6'0")
- Net worth: $16 million (estimated)
7. Ji Chang-Wook
Ji Chang-Wook is another handsome Korean who found his calling in acting. Popularly known as Dong-Hae from the acclaimed romantic comedy series "Smile Again" (2010), the actor is also a total package - complete with dashing good looks and undeniable acting talent.
Source: Instagram
Avid followers of Ji Chang-Wook would also recall that he is from humble beginnings in musical theatre. After supporting roles in movies and television series, he finally got his well-deserved breakthrough in "Smile Again". In the series, he played a character by the name of Dong Hae, a Korean-American skater. In 2019, he was cast as Ma Dong-chan in the television series "Melting me Softly".
Ji Chang-Wook is a renowned actor of great looks and talent. It is estimated that the actor earns a hefty amount of $42000 for each episode on television.
Profile summary of Ji Chang-Wook
Name: Ji Chang-Wook
Birthday: July 5, 1987
Age: 32 years old
Birthplace: Anyang, South Korea
Astrological sign: Cancer
Nationality: South Korean
Marital status: Single
Height: 182cm (6'0")
Net worth: $100,000 (estimated)
8. Jo In-Sung
In the subject of talented Korean actors, "A Frozen Flower" actor Jo In-Sung is sure to be one of the subjects. He is widely followed by avid fans around Asia, who all love his appearances in Korean series such as "Spring Day" (2005), "That Winter, the Wind Blows" (2013), "It's Okay, That's Love" (2014) and "Dear My Friends" (2016).
Source: Instagram
The actor also started in small beginnings as a brand endorser for the clothing brand Ziozia. As his career in the entertainment industry progress, he quickly became one of the most prominent in the field.
It is estimated that he makes $67,100 per television appearance.
Profile summary of Jo In-Sung
- Name: Jo In-Sung
- Birthday: July 28, 1981
- Age: 38 years old
- Birthplace: Myeongil-dong, Seoul, South Korea
- Astrological sign: Leo
- Nationality: South Korean
- Marital status: Single
- Height: 186cm (6'1")
9. Lee Min-Ho
Lee Min-Ho is easily one of the most iconic actors not only in South Korea but also all over Asia. He was vaulted into prominence after playing Gu Jun-Pyo in the global hit South Korean manga-based series "Boys Over Flowers" (2009). Being the influential actor that he is, he has a massive fanbase all over Asia, specifically in the Philippines where a Tagalog-dubbed version of "Boys Over Flowers" was aired in 2009 in the television network ABS-CBN.
Source: Instagram
Following the success of "Boys Over Flowers", the actor was cast in the television series "City Hunter" (2011) as Lee Yoon-sung/Poochai which is the titular character. In the series, his character's primary objective is to avenge his father's killers.
Lee Min-Ho has an undeniable influence all over Asia as an actor. He is one of the icons that spearheaded the rise of Korean culture in popular media. As such, he makes a stunning amount of $58,700 per show episode. He is truly one of the highest paid Korean actors.
Profile summary of Lee Min-Ho
- Name: Lee Min-Ho
- Birthday: June 22, 1987
- Age: 32 years old
- Birthplace: Heukseok-dong, Seoul, South Korea
- Astrological sign: Cancer
- Nationality: South Korean
- Marital status: Single
- Height: 187cm (6'2")
- Net worth: $10 million (approximate)
10. Gong Yoo
Last but not least is the "Train to Busan" star Gong Yoo. He is one of the most popular Korean actors. Before establishing his name to an international audience after his appearance in the zombie flick "Train to Busan" (2016), he starred in feel-good romantic comedy series such as "Coffee Prince" (2007) and "Big" (2012).
Source: Instagram
Gong Yoo's popularity has elevated his name to being one of Korea's most influential actors, prompting the smartphone giant ASUS to contract the actor as their brand ambassador during the release of their flagship smartphone ZenFone 4.
Unsurprisingly, given his massive influence to international audiences, he makes $65,000 per episode in a TV show.
Profile summary
- Name: Gong Ji-Cheol
- Birthday: July 10, 1979
- Age: 40 years old
- Birthplace: Busan, South Korea
- Astrological sign: Cancer
- Nationality: South Korean
- Marital status: Single
- Height: 184cm (6'0")
- Net worth: $2M
Honourable mentions
In case you missed your favourite actor on this list, here are the honourable mentions:
- Kim Soo-Hyun ("My Love from the Star" (2013), "Moon Embracing the Sun" (2012))
- Seo In-Guk ("Shopaholic Louis" (2016), "Reply 1997" (2012))
- Park Go-Bum ("Love in the Moonlight" (2016), "Encounter" (2018))
- Nam Joo-Hyuk ("Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo" (2016), "The Bride of Habaek" (2017))
- Lee Byung-Hun ("I Saw The Devil" (2010), Red 2" (2013))
Korean actors are talented, handsome, and above all lovable. There is no getting enough them.
READ ALSO: Anne Curtis finally meets Korean actor Gong Yoo in person
Source: KAMI.com.gh
