The Hallyu wave has helped Korean actors not only gain popularity throughout Asia but also become highly valuable commercial figures in the international market. According to statistics compiled by Nubia Magazine , these are the 10 male actors estimated to have the largest net worth in South Korea in 2026.
Kim Soo Hyun leads with $117 million.
Kim Soo Hyun is estimated to have a net worth of $117 million, far surpassing all the other names on the list.
Kim Soo Hyun has created a significant gap between himself and the top 10, despite being embroiled in one of the biggest scandals in Korean showbiz.
Photo: Screenshot from the movie Queen of Tears
The actor rose to fame through Dream High , The Moon Embracing the Sun , and especially My Love from the Star . These successes have made him one of the most sought-after stars on the Korean screen.
Beyond his income from films, Kim Soo Hyun possesses exceptional commercial appeal. He was once dubbed the "King of Advertising" by the Korean media, constantly appearing in campaigns for numerous major brands. His acting fees are among the highest in the industry, and his advertising contracts and international influence are considered crucial sources of income that have helped the "Queen of Tears" star accumulate a massive fortune.
So Ji Sub came in second.
Following Kim Soo Hyun is So Ji Sub with $41 million. Active since the late 1990s, the actor has had a career spanning over two decades with many popular works such as I'm Sorry , I Love You , Master's Sun , Oh My Venus , and The Battleship Island .
So Ji Sub recently returned to the screen with the drama Agent Kim Reactivated and immediately caused a sensation with its incredibly high ratings.
Image: Screenshot from the movie Agent Kim Reactivated
So Ji Sub isn't a frequent screen presence. He's quite cautious in choosing projects, so each comeback garners significant attention. His income from acting, advertising, and business ventures contributes to an estimated net worth of $41 million.
Lee Jong Suk and Lee Min Ho are among the top 4.
Lee Jong Suk ranked third with $32 million. Originally a model, he quickly rose to fame as a popular leading man through dramas like * I Can Hear Your Voice *, *Pinocchio *, *W: Two Worlds* , and *While You Were Sleeping *. His popularity in many Asian markets has further increased his commercial value.
In fourth place is Lee Min Ho with $26 million. Following the success of Boys Over Flowers , he rose to become one of the most internationally recognized Korean stars. The Heirs , The Legend of the Blue Sea , The King: Eternal Monarch , and Pachinko further solidified his status as a heartthrob adored by millions.
Despite ranking only fourth in terms of wealth, Lee Min Ho is still considered one of the most commercially influential South Korean actors in the international market.
Song Joong Ki, Hyun Bin, and many other big names are competing for a spot in the top 10.
Song Joong Ki ranked fifth with $24 million, famous for his roles in Sungkyunkwan Scandal , Descendants of the Sun , Vincenzo , and Reborn Rich . Among these, Descendants of the Sun created a sensation across Asia, establishing him as one of the most prominent faces of Hallyu.
Hyun Bin and Park Seo Joon are both estimated to have a net worth of $21 million. Hyun Bin made his mark with Secret Garden and especially Crash Landing on You , a work that further expanded his international fame through Netflix.
Meanwhile, Park Seo Joon is famous for She Was Pretty , Fight for My Way , and What's Wrong with Secretary Kim . His appearance in the Hollywood blockbuster The Marvels also helped expand his recognition beyond South Korea.
The last three positions were held by Lee Seung Gi (US$16 million), Gong Yoo (US$14 million), and Jo In Sung (US$12 million), respectively.
Lee Seung Gi boasts a diverse career encompassing singing, acting, and hosting. Gong Yoo rose to fame with Goblin , Train to Busan , and Squid Game , while Jo In Sung has over 20 years of experience with numerous works such as What Happened in Bali , It's Okay, That's Love , and Moving .
The rankings show that the wealth of stars doesn't just come from film fees. Advertising, international influence, and business ventures are increasingly playing a significant role in increasing artists' income.
Besides the big names on the list, the ranking also drew attention due to the absence of several familiar stars such as Ji Chang Wook, Park Bo Gum, Lee Jung Jae, and Lee Byung Hun. These are all actors with significant influence in South Korea and the international market. In fact, in a ranking of the most searched-for Korean male actors in the world in 2025, Park Bo Gum ranked 3rd, Lee Byung Hun 6th, Ji Chang Wook 8th, and Lee Jung Jae 9th.
However, according to Nubia Magazine , these figures are only estimates, as the actual assets and income of the artists are not fully disclosed.