The Korean entertainment industry is enjoying one of its best years thanks to streaming giants like Netflix (hello, Squid Game ), Apple TV and even Disney+, which are all competing against each other to deliver Korean content as demand from global viewers rises. Disney+ will release its first Korean show Snowdrop featuring Blackpink’s Jisoo and Jung Hae-in on December 18, and have announced another four dramas, a Blackpink documentary and a spin-off of variety show Running Man for its 2022 line-up. And as the popularity of K-drama increases, so do the pay cheques of our favourite Korean small screen stars. If you’re wondering how much your beloved hallyu actors made this year, find out more below … 7 Korean celebrity couples who overcame tough times Kim Soo-hyun – US$3.4 million It should come as no surprise that with his current level of stardom Kim Soo-hyun, who is also known as the “king of commercials” , is able to ask for a whopping 500 million won (US$423,000) per episode for his latest drama One Ordinary Day . With a total of eight episodes, the 33-year-old star takes home around US$3.4 million for the entire season. Kim reportedly does not only star in the show, but he also co-produced it through his management company Gold Medallist and will therefore receive extra in business earnings. Song Joong-ki – US$3.4 million Earlier this year, 36-year-old Song Joong-ki delighted fans with his mafia series Vincenzo . The Space Sweepers star earned a staggering 200 million won (US$170,000) per episode and, since the show is 20 episodes long, thus made around US$3.4 million this year for his role in the crime-drama series. Song Hye-kyo – US$2.7 million We promise that putting Song Hye-kyo next on the list was not a deliberate move. For her latest show Now, We Are Breaking Up , KBizoom reports that 40-year-old Song snagged 200 million won (US$170,000) per episode – the same figure as her ex-husband, Song Joong-ki. However, with a total of 16 episodes – four episodes shorter than Vincenzo – the Fendi brand ambassador earned slightly less with a total of around US$2.7 million. 29 Korean stars who tested positive for Covid-19, including Blackpink’s Lisa Jun Ji-hyun – US$2.7 million Another top-paid Korean actress who made her comeback this year is none other than Jun Ji-hyun for TVN’s Jirisan . In the same report by KBizoom, the 40-year-old star is said to have earned 200 million won (US$170,000) per episode for a total of 16 episodes, leaving her with a cool US$2.7 million pay cheque. The My Sassy Girl actress also made a jaw-dropping 17 billion won (US$14 million) from starring in 16 advertisements this year, reports the same publication. Lee Jung-jae – US$2.3 million It’s impossible not to include the record-breaking Squid Game ’s star Lee Jung-jae on this list. However, the 48-year-old actor earned a bit less than the other stars on this list. Lee was reportedly paid a handsome 300 million won (US$253,600) per episode, but with only nine episodes in its debut season, Lee took home a modest US$2.2 million. Lucky for him, the Netflix show has been greenlit for a second season . Lee Young-ae – US$2 million Starring in Netflix’s Inspector Koo , veteran actress Lee Young-ae is also reportedly earning a similar amount to Song Hye-kyo and Jeon Ji-hyun, reports KBizoom. This means the 50-year-old star is probably earning around 200 million won (US$170,000) per episode, rounding her off with around US$2 million for the 12-episode series. Lee previously received 100 million won (US$84,575) per episode for 2017’s Saimdang, Memoir of Colors, reports KBizoom. 5 K-pop idols whose siblings are as attractive as they are Go Hyun-jung – US$1.4 million The former Miss Korea runner-up returned to acting with this year’s JTBC’s Reflection of You opposite Shin Hyun-bin and earned an impressive US$1.4 million for the 16-episode series. The 50-year-old actress is believed to have collected more than 100 million won (US$84,575) per episode. Want more stories like this? Follow STYLE on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter .