The 7 richest female K-pop idols of 2021 and how they made their millions, from Blackpink’s Lisa and IU to Girls’ Generation’s Yoona and Bae Suzy
It’s no easy feat to make it big in K-pop, but a number of singers and musicians from popular South Korean girl groups have gone above and beyond to achieve dazzling success in the competitive industry. These ladies are multitalented powerhouses who have amassed a net worth in the millions. So who are they, and how do they rake in the big bucks?
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Here we take a look at the wealthiest female K-pop stars of 2021:
IU – US$31-45 million
Today, IU is one of the most popular female K-pop stars in Korea. She is also among the richest in 2021, according to numerous media reports including Seoul Space and Korea Portal. IU is known for being multitalented with a knack for producing and composing music. The singer has written over 50 songs for her own albums as well as for other artists, dramas and films, which gives her a good edge in royalties, according to Seoul Space.
She also does advertisements for top brands like Samsung, Sony Korea, Guess and many others. Other than her music career, IU also stars in mainstream K-dramas like Hotel del Luna and Scarlet Heart Ryeo, which adds to her annual income.
Lee Hyori – US$30-40 million
Lee Hyori is one of the highest-paid female singers in the K-pop industry, according to various articles. She debuted as a member of girl group Fin. K. L and went on to become the highest-paid female singer in 2006, according to Soompi. But she didn’t rely solely on her musical talents to make her millions. Her good looks have also landed her advertisements and endorsement deals with various brands like Samsung and soju brand Lotte Liquor.
In 2013, she married producer Lee Sang-soon. Together, they went on to create their own empire with a popular Netflix show called Hyori’s Bed and Breakfast (or Hyori’s Homestay), which added to her net worth.
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Dara – around US$30 million
Aside from being a talented singer, Dara’s acting chops landed her roles in films like Cheese in the Trap, One Step and Bcuz of U, for which she won the best new actress award at the 21st PMPC Star Award for films. The multitalented star has also appeared in K-dramas, reality TV shows and Filipino films.
Being one of the most in-demand faces in South Korea and the Philippines has landed her major advertisement deals with both luxury and everyday brands like Clio, Etude House, Nikon, Head and Shoulders shampoo and much more.
Boa – around US$25 million
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Bae Suzy – US$25 million
Her Instagram reveals that she is the go-to face for many brand endorsements ranging from skincare products to tech gadgets. According to an article in Xenews, Bae has endorsed international brands like Reebok, Swarovski and Kerasys.
As stated in the same article, she also owns a property in Gangnam that is reportedly worth over US$3.8 million.
Yoona – US$25 million
She has appeared in well-known K-dramas such as The King in Love, Hush and The K2, as well as Chinese dramas like God of War, Zhao Yun and others. She is also dubbed the “CF Queen” for endorsing and appearing in over 40 brand advertisements, according to K-pop Hit.
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Lisa (Blackpink) – US$10- 14 Million
- After debuting with girl group Miss A, Bae Suzy has starred in hit K-dramas like Netflix’s Start-Up and now owns Gangnam property and endorses brands like Swarovski
- IU has appeared in TV shows like Hotel del Luna and has written music for them too, while Lisa rakes in cash through brand deals with Samsung, Adidas, Celine and Bulgari