Former IZ*ONE member Jo Yuri has become the center of attention after rumors claimed she earned 300 million KRW (about $221,000) per episode for her role in *Squid Game 2*. The reports sparked heated discussions online, with fans questioning whether the rookie actress deserved such a high paycheck.
Jo Yuri, who played the pregnant character Kim Jun-hee (Player 222) in the hit Netflix series, quickly denied the rumors. She called the claims “baseless” and laughed off suggestions that she received 4.2 billion KRW ($3.15 million) for her appearance.
“When I first saw the claim that I received 4.2 billion KRW, I couldn’t help but laugh. It was something I never imagined, and I was surprised to see that some people actually believed it.”
The debate intensified as fans compared her short acting career to veteran actors who struggled for years before landing major roles. Some argued that her idol background gave her an unfair advantage, while others defended her, saying she earned the role through hard work.
The Salary Controversy Explained
Reports from Korean media suggested Jo Yuri was paid 300 million KRW per episode, a figure that matches industry standards for lead actors in major streaming projects. Her co-star T.O.P also reportedly received a similar amount. However, Jo Yuri clarified that the numbers were exaggerated.
“I can’t disclose the exact salary, but I can assure you that 4.2 billion KRW is a completely false amount. I’ve never seen or even thought about such a sum.”
Fans were divided. Some felt her limited acting experience—only one web drama (Mimicus) before Squid Game 2—did not justify such a high paycheck. Others pointed out her strong performance and the intense audition process she went through.
Jo Yuri’s Audition Struggles
Before landing the role, Jo Yuri faced multiple rejections. She revealed in an interview that she auditioned for two roles every week but was turned down repeatedly. The Squid Game 2 audition alone took three months, with four rounds of intense screenings.
*”I auditioned for two roles per week. I was rejected for everything—except one. *Squid Game. I cried when I heard I passed the fourth and final audition round.”
Her character, Player 222, was one of the most emotionally challenging roles in the season. She portrayed a pregnant woman forced into the deadly games, adding depth to the show’s themes of survival and desperation.
Industry Standards for OTT Paychecks
Lead actors in major streaming series typically earn between 100 million to 400 million KRW per episode. Lee Jung-jae, the show’s main star, reportedly made over 10.1 billion KRW ($7.5 million) for the season. Compared to these figures, Jo Yuri’s rumored paycheck was not unusual.
Still, the debate highlighted the growing influence of idol-turned-actors in the industry. Some netizens argued that trained actors with years of experience were being overlooked in favor of popular idols.
“It feels unfair to seasoned actors when idols get big roles quickly.”
Others defended Jo Yuri, saying her performance proved her talent.
“She’s actually good at acting, why not? It’s a result of hard work. She deserves it.”
Despite the controversy, Jo Yuri’s role in Squid Game 2 has boosted her acting career. The series broke Netflix records, topping global charts with 58.2 million watch hours in its first week. Her performance has earned praise, signaling a promising future in acting.
The salary debate continues, but one thing is clear—Jo Yuri’s journey from K-pop idol to Netflix star has made her one of the most talked-about newcomers in the industry.
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