For avid fans of Korean dramas, the latest buzz surrounds the highly anticipated series “Queen of Tears.” Featuring the refreshing and unconventional pairing of Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, this rom-com drama delves into the complexities of an unhappy marriage between Hong Hae In (played by Kim Ji Won), a chaebol heiress, and her husband Baek Hyun Woo (portrayed by Kim Soo Hyun), the legal director at her family’s conglomerate.
In the realm of Korean entertainment, the casting of stars holds immense significance, as it directly impacts a project’s viewership ratings and audience reception. Kim Soo Hyun’s involvement in “Queen of Tears” has undoubtedly contributed to drawing viewers to the show, evidenced by the impressive 14.1% rating achieved in the sixth episode, according to Nielsen Korea.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Salary
A noteworthy aspect of Kim Soo Hyun’s participation in “Queen of Tears” is his decision to accept a reduced salary compared to his previous projects. This move is perceived as a positive step towards alleviating the financial strain on drama production costs, which have been steadily escalating in South Korea.
The adjustment in compensation for star actors like Kim Soo Hyun reflects the challenges faced by production companies grappling with the rising costs associated with filming. One of the primary drivers behind the exponential increase in production costs is the escalating salaries demanded by actors.
The surge in actors’ salaries can be attributed to various factors, including the proliferation of global OTT online movie viewing services in South Korea. As demand for Korean content grows on international platforms, top stars command significantly higher fees for their participation in films and dramas.
Queen Of Tears Budget
Recent reports regarding Kim Soo Hyun’s appearance fee have sparked speculation about his standing as one of the highest-paid actors in the industry. However, the reality contradicts these exaggerated claims, with sources revealing that his compensation for “Queen of Tears” is substantially lower than previously rumored amounts, including the reported 800 million won per episode.
Despite facing pressure to reduce their fees and annual earnings, Kim Soo Hyun made the deliberate choice to support “Queen of Tears” by accepting a fee below his customary rate. This decision reflects both his loyalty to writer Park Ji Eun and his commitment to the project’s success.
In his previous project, “One Ordinary Day,” Kim Soo Hyun reportedly received a substantial payment of 500 million won (approximately USD 373,000) per episode. By agreeing to a lower fee for “Queen of Tears,” Kim Soo Hyun demonstrates his dedication to the series and his willingness to prioritize the collaborative effort over individual financial gain.