Netflix Addresses “1 Billion Won Per Episode” Appearance Fee Controversy

On October 4, during the “Next on Netflix: 2025 Korean Films” event at Park Hyatt Busan, Kim Tae-won, the Director of Film and Series Content at Netflix’s Seoul Office, raised concerns about the escalating costs associated with actor fees. He remarked, “K-content is thriving and gaining international acclaim, but with rising production expenses, this increase will eventually produce a negative impact, akin to a boomerang.”

Netflix's Seoul Office Director of Film and Series Content Kim Tae-won

The demand for high actor fees has been highlighted as a key contributor to the surge in production costs. Notably, there are rumors suggesting that Lee Jung-jae, who is set to star in the much-anticipated “Squid Game” Season 2, could earn as much as 1 billion won per episode.

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Director Kim further noted, “We are currently evaluating how appropriate budgeting and fees can benefit both actors and the projects.”

He emphasized, “Although we don’t have detailed guidelines or regulations, we find it crucial to ensure that budgets and fees align with the project’s needs. This is a topic we discuss with producers regarding all projects.”

Source: Daum

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