Park Hyung-sik Denies Report of 400 Million KRW Per Episode Fee for 'Trot', Amidst K-Drama Salary Controversy

Actor Park Hyung-sik's agency has officially denied reports claiming he received 400 million KRW per episode for the recently concluded drama 'Trot' (Twelve).

This denial comes amidst widespread industry discussion regarding the rapidly escalating appearance fees for K-drama actors. Previous media reports had alleged that co-star Ma Dong-seok earned 500 million KRW per episode, with Park Hyung-sik receiving 400 million KRW, accounting for 30% of the drama's total 22 billion KRW production cost.

Despite the denial, the issue of skyrocketing actor salaries remains a hot topic. High fees for stars like Kim Soo-hyun, Park Bo-gum, and IU have been previously reported. Notably, Lee Jung-jae is said to be earning a staggering 1 million USD (approximately 1.38 billion KRW) per episode for 'Squid Game Season 2', setting a new benchmark.

Industry insiders suggest that Netflix is considering implementing a cap of around 300 million KRW for Korean content appearances. This move is seen as an effort to manage production costs and could potentially lead to a reduction in the number of K-dramas produced.

While Park Hyung-sik's actual remuneration remains undisclosed, the debate over high actor fees continues to highlight the shifting landscape of the K-drama industry and its global impact.

Park Hyung-sik first gained recognition as a member of the K-pop group ZE:A before transitioning to acting. He has since starred in popular dramas such as 'The Heirs', 'Strong Girl Bong-soon', and 'Suits', solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor. His recent appearance in 'Soundtrack #2' further showcased his ability to captivate audiences in romantic roles.