Kim Soo Hyun Puts Project Before Paycheck, Takes Pay Cut for Upcoming Drama “Queen of Tears”

Kim Soo Hyun, a well-known South Korean actor, has recently shown his dedication to his upcoming drama “Queen of Tears” by voluntarily accepting a lower salary than what he typically commands. This news comes after earlier reports circulated claiming he would be paid a massive ₩800 million KRW (approximately $597,000 USD) per episode.

Production Company Denies High Pay Reports

According to a Korean media outlet, Newsen, they initially reported that Kim Soo Hyun was receiving an incredibly high salary per episode for “Queen of Tears.” However, the drama’s production company, Studio Dragon, quickly refuted these claims. “[It is] absolutely not true that he gets paid ₩800 million KRW (about $597,000 USD). He gets paid much less,” stated Studio Dragon.

Kim Soo Hyun Takes a Pay Cut to Support Production

Going into more detail, another Korean news outlet, Sports Chosun, revealed that while Kim Soo Hyun’s acting fees have rightfully increased due to his experience and popularity, he opted to receive less than his market value for “Queen of Tears.” Industry insiders reported that he willingly took a pay cut to specifically help the drama’s production budget.

Loyalty and Collaboration Drive Kim Soo Hyun’s Decision

Reports suggest that “Queen of Tears” faced production budget limitations, and Kim Soo Hyun stepped up to lessen the financial burden. It is said that he even agreed to a salary lower than what he received for his 2021 drama, “One Ordinary Day,” where he was reportedly paid ₩500 million KRW (approximately $373,000 USD) per episode.

Sports Chosun further reports that Kim Soo Hyun’s decision stemmed from his loyalty to the drama’s writer, Park Ji Eun, with whom he has a successful working relationship. This marks their third collaboration, having previously teamed up for the hit dramas “My Love From The Stars” and “Producer.”

Kim Soo Hyun’s History of Project-Driven Choices

This isn’t the first time Kim Soo Hyun has prioritized a project over personal gain. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to collaborate effectively with respected writers and directors. This dedication is a significant reason behind his consistent success in the competitive Korean entertainment industry.

Fan Reactions and Industry Impact

Kim Soo Hyun’s decision to accept a pay cut for “Queen of Tears” has garnered significant praise from fans online. Many have expressed their admiration for his loyalty, professionalism, and commitment to his craft. Industry experts also acknowledge this move as a positive sign, highlighting the collaborative spirit it fosters between actors and production companies. It can potentially inspire a more sustainable approach to budgeting within the Korean drama industry.

A Look Ahead: Queen of Tears and Kim Soo Hyun’s Future

With filming underway, “Queen of Tears” is a highly anticipated drama due to Park Ji Eun’s acclaimed writing and Kim Soo Hyun’s proven acting talent. Kim Soo Hyun’s willingness to take a pay cut for the project has only heightened the expectations surrounding the drama. Audiences are eager to see the kind of story that inspired such dedication from both the writer and the lead actor. This instance further solidifies Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation as a top actor in Korea, one who prioritizes artistic merit and collaboration over simply maximizing his personal earnings.