The income of the richest idols in K-pop is not only from entertainment activities. The amount of money they get from their business is even greater.
The main job of Kpop idols is performing on stage or maybe even composing. But it doesn’t mean their talent only stops there. Many idols have limitless creativity, then opening their own YouTube channels. They even entered the business world and get a lot of profit.
On July 28, Mnet’s TMI News program with the participation of two female idols Chu and Yves (LOONA) announced the ranking of “the 7 Highest Earning Korean stars in K-pop”. The number 1 place certainly does not surprise many people.
1. BTS
With the current top star position, BTS is definitely the first name in the highest-paid Idol chart. Excluding the royalties from songwriting copyrights, profits from the sale of albums, goods, or brand promotion representatives, BTS has earned about 140 billion won (about 121,5 million USD) in profits from the stock market alone.
In 2020, HYBE Corporation (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) recorded a market capitalization of 10.93 trillion won (more than 9 billion USD). The company’s annual income is up to 453.3 billion won (close to 400 million USD).
HYPE on the incredible level today is definitely not without BTS’ efforts. To thank the 7 members for their hard work and great influence on the K-pop entertainment industry, the company donated 478,695 shares to 7 members. If divided, each person will hold 68,385 shares (equivalent to 7 million USD).
2. Uhm Jung Hwa
Dubbed “Korean Madonna”, Uhm Jung Hwa once caused a fever with hits like Betrayal of the Rose, Tell Me, Poison,… After working in the fields of music and cinema, the 1960s actress started to enter the fashion industry. In 2007, she founded her own lingerie fashion brand Corner Suite.
According to the program TMI News, Uhm Jung Hwa’s business started quite smoothly when it just opened. The income of this fashion house has reached 600 million won (520 thousand USD) per day. Even after only 3 months since its establishment, Uhm Jung Hwa has obtained 10 billion won (equivalent to 8 million USD).
3. Kim Hee Ae
In 2020, the heat of the drama “The World of the Married” has not only covered the whole of Korea but also reached out to all Asian countries. Therefore, the amount of salary that the lead actress Kim Hee Ae received was an extremely terrible number, up to 80 million won (more than 69 thousand USD) per episode.
In addition to income from filming, actress Kim Hee Ae also owns a new 4-story building with an annual rental rate of up to 1.2 billion won (nearly 1 million USD).
4. Lim Chang Jung
Over 31 years of working in the entertainment industry in many fields such as music, cinema, musicals, multi-talented artist Lim Chang Jung has achieved many successes. Even his business talent is very respectable. His bar and pork leg meat restaurant has grown to 50 million won (about 43 thousand USD) in sales in just one month. In one year, this amounted to 600 million won (nearly 520 thousand USD).
5. Kim Sang Hyuk (Click-B)
Kim Sang Hyuk, a member of the group Click-B, is ranked 5th in TMI News’ ranking of the highest-paid K-pop idols. This male musician, actor, and businessman runs a network of bakeries and video game stores. He could make around 30-40 million won (25-35 thousand USD) each month in his “golden era.” His eight baking stores currently generate 360 million won in annual sales.
6. Kangta
Kangta is a former member of SM Entertainment’s legendary group H.O.T. He vigorously promoted himself as a solo artist after leaving the group. Kangta also serves as SM’s creative director. Kangta made more than 300 million won only from stock option interest.
7. Solar (MAMAMOO)
Solar is a YouTuber who has her own channel with 3.25 million subscribers in addition to her main profession as a K-pop star. This is where she can talk about her training, skin care, and daily vlogs. Solar previously stated that her YouTube channel may generate a monthly income of 100 million won.
The list of the top seven highest-paid Korean celebrities has shown some of the abilities of many idols. They are not only talented in singing, composing, and dancing, but they can succeed in any profession. The amount of money they earn each month is probably the lifelong dream of many people.
