Netflix Curbs Actor Fees: Top Stars Now Capped at 300 Million Won

Netflix's generous actor fee policy for Korean dramas appears to be undergoing a significant shift, with reports indicating a new cap of approximately 300 million KRW per episode, a substantial decrease from the previously rumored 1 billion KRW.

This adjustment signals a move to rein in soaring production costs and stabilize the burgeoning K-drama industry. Industry insiders suggest that while 300 million KRW remains a considerable sum, the previous unchecked rise in fees has prompted Netflix to implement stricter guidelines.

Even rising stars like Byeon Woo-seok, who gained international fame from "Lovely Runner," are expected to be affected. His upcoming Netflix series, "Solo Leveling," is anticipated to follow the new fee structure, despite his immense popularity.

While this 300 million KRW figure is emerging as a general guideline, sources note that exceptions can still be made based on project scale and individual circumstances. Notably, multi-season productions might see fee adjustments, potentially exceeding the stated cap.

Netflix has been instrumental in the global success of K-content but has also faced criticism for inflating production budgets and, consequently, actor salaries, which some argue has squeezed out local productions. The platform's apparent shift in fee policy could herald a more sustainable production environment for Korean dramas.

Byeon Woo-seok is set to star in the upcoming Netflix series "Solo Leveling," marking his first major global OTT project since his breakout role.

He achieved superstardom through the 2023 drama "Lovely Runner," where his portrayal of Ryu Sun-jae garnered widespread acclaim and a massive fanbase.

Beyond his acting career, Byeon Woo-seok is also recognized as a fashion icon, actively participating in modeling and influencing trends.