The upcoming K-Drama “Queen of Tears” has been making headlines not just for its anticipated plot and star-studded cast, but also for recent rumors surrounding lead actor Kim Soo Hyun‘s salary.

Studio Dragon Denies Reports of Kim Soo Hyun’s High Salary

On March 26th, Korean media outlets reported that Kim Soo Hyun was earning a staggering ₩800 million Korean Won (approximately $597,000 USD) per episode for his role in “Queen of Tears.” This figure, if true, would have resulted in a total payout of ₩12.8 billion KRW (approximately $9.55 million USD) for the 16-episode series.

These reports quickly sparked controversy, with some questioning the production’s budget allocation and the overall fairness of actor salaries within the Korean entertainment industry.

However, the production company behind “Queen of Tears,” Studio Dragon, swiftly moved to dispel the rumors. In a statement, they declared the reported figures to be “absolutely not true” and clarified that Kim Soo Hyun’s actual salary is “much less” than the staggering amount initially reported.

Netizen Reactions and Industry Context

News of the salary controversy and Studio Dragon’s denial has generated significant buzz online. Many fans expressed relief that the reports were unfounded, while others remained curious about the actual amount Kim Soo Hyun will be receiving.

It’s important to note that Kim Soo Hyun is considered one of the top Hallyu stars, with a proven track record of successful K-Dramas. Actors of his caliber often command high fees, though the reported ₩800 million KRW per episode figure was indeed unusually high.

What Does This Mean for “Queen of Tears”?

While the exact details of Kim Soo Hyun’s salary remain unknown, Studio Dragon’s clarification puts the controversy to rest for now. The focus can now shift back to the drama itself, with fans eagerly awaiting its premiere.

This incident also highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding actor salaries in Korean dramas. With the industry’s growing global reach, it will be interesting to see how compensation structures evolve in the future.