South Korea’s biggest actresses aren’t just earning massive paychecks from K-dramas—they’ve built impressive fortunes through luxury endorsements, real estate investments, business ventures, music royalties, and global brand partnerships.
According to Enterprise Wired’s estimated 2026 rankings, Jun Ji Hyun remains the wealthiest Korean actress with an estimated net worth of $110 million, while Song Hye Kyo, despite owning a fortune of around $60 million, ranks only third.
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 richest Korean actresses in 2026.
1. Jun Ji Hyun
Estimated Net Worth: $110 million
Jun Ji Hyun sits comfortably at the top of the list as the richest Korean actress in 2026. She reportedly earns around $300,000 per drama episode, making her one of Korea’s highest-paid stars. The actress has maintained her superstar status for over two decades thanks to blockbuster hits including My Sassy Girl, The Thieves, Assassination, and the global phenomenon My Love From the Star. Outside acting, Jun Ji Hyun has significantly expanded her wealth through premium endorsement deals, valuable real estate investments, and her own management business, making her virtually unmatched in terms of financial success.
Estimated Net Worth: $90 million
The legendary Jewel in the Palace actress ranks second with an estimated fortune of $90 million. Although Lee Young Ae appears less frequently on television today, she still reportedly commands approximately $220,000 per episode. Her long-lasting popularity continues to generate substantial income through international broadcasting royalties, luxury brand endorsements, and carefully managed investments. Her selective career choices have also helped preserve her sophisticated public image, keeping her in high demand among premium brands.
3. Song Hye Kyo
Estimated Net Worth: $60 million
Despite an estimated fortune of $60 million, Song Hye Kyo ranks third among Korea’s wealthiest actresses. She reportedly earns around $250,000 per episode, while continuing to dominate the global Hallyu scene following iconic dramas such as Autumn in My Heart, Full House, Descendants of the Sun, and the critically acclaimed The Glory. In addition to acting, Song Hye Kyo enjoys lucrative partnerships with international luxury brands, licensing royalties, and worldwide advertising campaigns.
Estimated Net Worth: $55 million
Kim Tae Hee ranks fourth with an estimated $55 million fortune. The actress reportedly receives around $200,000 per drama episode despite taking projects selectively. Thanks to classic dramas like Stairway to Heaven and Hi Bye, Mama!, along with consistent endorsement income, she remains one of South Korea’s most valuable celebrities.
Estimated Net Worth: $45 million
IU may earn a comparatively modest $90,000 per episode, but her overall fortune reaches an impressive $45 million. Unlike many actresses, IU generates income from multiple industries, including music, sold-out concert tours, songwriting royalties, endorsements, and acting. Popular productions such as Hotel Del Luna, Broker, and When Life Gives You Tangerines have further strengthened her international popularity.
Estimated Net Worth: $40 million
Han Ji Min places sixth with approximately $40 million in assets. With an estimated salary of $180,000 per episode, the actress has built a respected career through emotionally rich performances in acclaimed dramas including Our Blues and Familiar Wife. Her elegant public image has also secured numerous long-term endorsement contracts.
Estimated Net Worth: $35 million
Son Ye Jin’s estimated fortune stands at $35 million, while she reportedly earns around $170,000 per episode. The worldwide success of Crash Landing on You significantly expanded her global fanbase and continues to generate international licensing revenue years after its release. Combined with premium advertising deals and a successful film career, Son Ye Jin remains one of Korea’s highest-earning actresses.
Estimated Net Worth: $30 million
Park Min Young has built a thriving career with successful romantic dramas that enjoy strong international appeal. Following the popularity of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, she further expanded her global recognition through Marry My Husband. With an estimated acting fee of $160,000 per episode, endorsement deals, and international streaming royalties, her net worth is estimated at $30 million.
Estimated Net Worth: $28 million
Kim Ji Won ranks ninth with an estimated fortune of $28 million. Her career reached new heights following My Liberation Notes before exploding globally with the record-breaking success of Queen of Tears, one of Netflix’s most talked-about Korean dramas. She reportedly earns around $150,000 per episode, while also benefiting from endorsement deals and overseas licensing income.
Estimated Net Worth: $25 million
Rounding out the top 10 is Suzy with an estimated $25 million fortune. The former idol-turned-actress reportedly receives $140,000 per episode, while maintaining successful careers in both music and acting. From Architecture 101 to While You Were Sleeping and Start-Up, Suzy has consistently remained one of Korea’s most commercially valuable celebrities. Her partnerships with luxury fashion and beauty brands continue to significantly boost her earnings.
As the global influence of Korean entertainment continues to expand, these stars are expected to strengthen their positions both on and off the screen. With new projects, international brand partnerships, and evolving business opportunities ahead, the rankings of Korea’s richest actresses may continue to shift in the years to come.
Sources: K14