Lee Jung-jae, the acclaimed South Korean actor who gained global fame for his role in the Netflix series Squid Game, has amassed a substantial fortune through his successful career in entertainment and diversified business ventures.
As of 2022, his estimated net worth was approximately USD 12 million, but by 2025, this figure has likely grown significantly due to his continued success in various sectors.
Acting Career and Filmography
Lee Jung-jae’s journey to financial success started with his work as an actor, and it continues to be one of the primary sources of his income.
His career began in the early 1990s when he rose to prominence through both television dramas and films.
Over the years, Lee has starred in a wide array of successful projects, cementing his reputation as one of South Korea’s most accomplished and bankable actors.
Early Breakthrough
Lee’s first major role came in 1993 with the TV drama Dinosaur Teacher, which quickly propelled him to stardom.
He continued to dominate the small screen in the following years with hit dramas like Feelings (1994) and Sandglass (1995).
Major Film Successes
Lee’s film career took off with An Affair (1998), which became a major success and earned him critical acclaim.
He followed it up with several other successful projects, including the action blockbuster Typhoon (2009) and the heist film The Thieves (2012), which grossed USD 86.7 million globally.
Squid Game and Global Recognition
The release of Squid Game in 2021 marked a turning point in Lee’s career. His portrayal of Gi-hun, the central character in the deadly game, earned him widespread international recognition.
Squid Game broke numerous records on Netflix and became the most-watched non-English-language series on the platform.
Lee’s success in Squid Game earned him an estimated USD 248,000 per episode, with his total earnings for the season reaching around USD 2.2 million.
His role also earned him the prestigious Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Continued Success
Following his success in Squid Game, Lee’s career is still on the upswing, with him set to reprise his role in Squid Game 2.
Reports indicate that he is now commanding USD 1 million per episode for the second season, potentially bringing in over USD 13 million for his work on this project alone.
Brand Endorsements and Luxury Partnerships
Another key contributor to Lee Jung-jae’s impressive net worth comes from his lucrative brand endorsements and partnerships with luxury brands.
His growing fame, particularly following the success of Squid Game, has made him a highly sought-after celebrity in the fashion world.
Gucci Ambassadorship
In November 2021, Lee became a global ambassador for the luxury fashion brand Gucci, an endorsement that significantly boosted his income.
As the face of the brand, Lee participates in high-profile fashion campaigns and attends exclusive events such as Gucci’s fashion shows and store openings.
His role as a global ambassador enhances both his personal brand and his earnings.
Other Brand Endorsements
In addition to Gucci, Lee has endorsed several high-end products, including Montres Breguet watches, LG electronics, and Bang & Olufsen audio systems.
These collaborations provide him with additional streams of income and solidify his status as a global fashion and luxury icon.
Social Media Influence
With over 4 million followers on Instagram, Lee’s social media presence also plays a pivotal role in his income.
It is estimated that he can earn anywhere from USD 10,000 to USD 100,000 per post.
His Instagram is filled with updates about his projects, fashion campaigns, and sponsored posts, making it a valuable platform for brand partnerships.
Real Estate and Business Investments
Lee Jung-jae has strategically invested his wealth in real estate and business ventures, further growing his fortune beyond acting and endorsements. His investments reflect his savvy approach to financial growth and diversification.
Real Estate Holdings
Lee reportedly owns real estate worth an estimated USD 39.6 million. One of his most significant investments is an expensive building located in Seoul’s prestigious Cheongdam neighborhood, valued at over USD 29 million. This prime property adds substantial value to his overall net worth.
Business Ventures
Beyond real estate, Lee has ventured into the hospitality and entertainment sectors. He co-founded a management agency called Artist Company alongside his actor friend Jung Woo-sung, which manages a roster of talents in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, Lee owns a chain of upscale Italian restaurants in Seoul, named after the popular film Il Mare, which he starred in. These ventures generate substantial income and diversify his wealth.
Tech Investments
In late 2023, Lee also made a notable investment in the South Korean company Wider Planet Inc., which utilizes artificial intelligence to create commercials.
Following his investment, the company saw a 69% rise in stock prices, underscoring the growing influence of Lee’s business decisions in the tech and entertainment sectors.
Total Annual Earnings
Lee Jung-jae’s estimated annual income is around USD 4.9 million, derived from a combination of his acting salaries, endorsements, and business ventures.
However, with his high-profile projects and endorsements, this figure can fluctuate significantly depending on the number of major roles and brand partnerships he engages in during any given year.
For instance, Lee is expected to earn a substantial sum from his role in Squid Game 2, where his USD 1 million per episode fee could potentially lead to earnings of over USD 13 million by the end of the season.
Also, his endorsement deals and social media earnings continue to add to his income, making him one of the highest-earning Korean actors in the industry.
Personal Assets and Lifestyle
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Lee’s personal assets contribute to his impressive net worth. Lee’s lifestyle reflects his success, with a penchant for luxury automobiles and lavish real estate holdings.
Luxury Cars
Lee is known to have a taste for high-end automobiles, reportedly owning a chic BMW and a Porsche 911, both of which are considered symbols of his success and wealth.
Philanthropy and Public Life
Lee also dedicates time to philanthropic causes. He has been actively involved in promoting South Korean culture, especially through his role as the Public Relations Ambassador for the 2030 Busan World Expo and his work in tourism promotion as the honorary ambassador for Visit Korea Year 2023-24.
His efforts have led to high-profile campaigns and media appearances, contributing to his continued relevance and influence.
