Jisoo, a prominent member of the globally renowned K-pop group BLACKPINK, has made headlines for her substantial earnings in her debut starring role in the K-drama series “Snowdrop.” The singer’s work on the series, which took place from December 2021 to January 2022, proved to be highly lucrative.
According to information disclosed by SBS, Jisoo was paid an impressive ₩110 million per episode, which roughly equates to $81,000. Given that “Snowdrop” comprised a total of 16 episodes, this translates to a remarkable estimated earnings of $1.3 million for the BLACKPINK star.
In comparison, Jisoo’s co-star, Lee Sun-kyun, received a substantial ₩200 million per episode, approximately $148,000. In stark contrast, supporting actors were reported to earn a considerably lower sum of ₩100,000, or $74, for each episode they worked on.
These revelations come as part of a report issued by the Korean Broadcasting Actors Union and the Performing Arts Rights Association, with the objective of highlighting the substantial pay disparities between leading stars and their supporting counterparts within the entertainment industry.
The report’s findings underscore the pervasive issue of unequal pay within the entertainment world, sparking conversations about the importance of fair compensation for actors and performers, regardless of their roles. Jisoo’s substantial earnings for her performance in “Snowdrop” serve as a poignant example of the intricate financial dynamics at play in the entertainment industry.
Moreover, the report draws attention to similar disparities in earnings for actors in other productions. For instance, “One Dollar Lawyer” featured supporting actors receiving meager pay as low as ₩200,000 per episode, approximately $148 USD, while the lead star, Namgoong Min, garnered a substantial ₩160 million, or around $118,000, for each episode of the 2022 series.
As discussions around fair compensation continue, these findings shed light on the ongoing need to address the issue of pay gaps in the entertainment industry, ensuring that all contributors are adequately rewarded for their efforts.
