Lee Jung-jae’s Massive Net Worth: How the ‘Squid Game’ Star Built His Fortune
Lee Jung-jae’s Massive Net Worth: How the ‘Squid Game’ Star Built His Fortune
Netflix has finally released the long-anticipated Squid Game 2, and with the show making headlines worldwide once again, actor Lee Jung-jae’s wealth is coming under renewed scrutiny. His name has become synonymous with both chart-topping dramas and unprecedented earnings in Korea’s entertainment industry, thanks to eye-popping salaries and lucrative investments.
1. A Record-Breaking Salary for Squid Game 2
According to multiple media outlets, Lee Jung-jae received approximately 13 billion KRW per episode (around 10 million USD per episode, depending on the exchange rate) for Squid Game 2. Since the second season spans 7 episodes, his total payout could reach about 91 billion KRW (~70 million USD)—which is considered one of the highest fees for a Korean actor to date.
The numbers aren’t entirely shocking, given that for Squid Game Season 1, Lee reportedly earned around 10 billion KRW per episode, catapulting him into the ranks of top-earning stars in Korea.
2. Towering Earnings from Advertisements
Lee Jung-jae’s fortune doesn’t just come from acting roles. Estimates suggest he has raked in about 200 billion KRW through various advertising deals. His brand value soared after the global success of the first Squid Game series, prompting major companies—both in Korea and internationally—to sign him as a spokesperson.
3. High-Stakes Real Estate Ventures
In 2020, Lee Jung-jae and his longtime friend and co-star Jung Woo-sung jointly purchased a building in Seoul’s upscale Cheongdam-dong for 330 billion KRW. While reports indicate that 223 billion KRW of that sum was financed by loans, they each contributed nearly half of the 107 billion KRW in cash and split the property’s ownership 50-50.
Real estate insiders note that this investment has already seen significant gains:
- Land area: 165 pyeong (approx. 545 square meters)
- Recent land prices in the area: ~3 billion KRW per pyeong
- Potential value: ~500 billion KRW, implying a projected profit of about 170 billion KRW if they choose to sell.
Luxury Villa Living
Aside from commercial investments, Lee Jung-jae’s personal residence is a high-end villa in Samseong-dong, reportedly purchased for around 40 billion KRW. Completed in 2013, the villa boasts breathtaking views of the Han River, a duplex design, and prime access to the newly opened Bongeunsa Station.
4. Humble Beginnings
Despite his remarkable wealth today, Lee wasn’t always living the high life. On an SBS program, Healing Camp, Lee Jung-jae revealed that his family faced financial difficulties when his grandfather, a former National Assembly candidate, repeatedly failed to win elections. By the time Lee entered elementary school, the family’s fortunes had turned. He had to work various jobs to support himself and navigate a challenging environment—an experience he credits for his strong work ethic and determination.
5. Lee Jung-jae’s High-Profile Romance
In addition to his financial success, Lee Jung-jae’s personal life also garners substantial public interest. He’s been in a relationship with Im Se-ryung, Vice Chairperson of Daesang Holdings, for roughly a decade. Recent paparazzi photos captured the couple enjoying a date, highlighting their stable, long-term bond.
Im Se-ryung’s own net worth was previously reported to be 2.67 trillion KRW in publicly disclosed stock assets as of 2015, making her one of the wealthiest business figures in Korea. The powerhouse couple remains under the media spotlight, though they maintain a relatively low profile despite their star status.
6. What’s Next for Lee Jung-jae?
With Squid Game 2 reigniting global interest, Lee Jung-jae’s star power and earnings are expected to climb even higher. Whether it’s real estate speculation or his marketing endorsements, the actor consistently proves that he’s as savvy off-screen as he is talented on it.
Bottom line? Lee Jung-jae’s portfolio—ranging from blockbuster drama salaries to booming real-estate and advertising deals—cements his status as one of Korea’s wealthiest and most influential entertainment figures. Even though he started from humble beginnings, his journey underscores how strategic choices and relentless dedication can transform a rising actor into an international star with a multimillion-dollar empire.
