The Korean music industry has a strong international presence and is continually growing. As a result, the battle for first place among K-pop idols is becoming increasingly heated.
Making it big in K-pop is an easy task, but several artists have succeeded spectacularly in the highly competitive market. These incredible entertainers, who began with their bands or as solo artists, have amassed multimillion-dollar empires.
Take a look at the wealthiest K-pop idols and see if your favourite made the list:
1. Kim Jae-joong
In 2003, Kim Jae-joong was the lead singer for the boy band TVXQ. He established JYJ with two other ex-members after the group disbanded in 2010. The singer eventually moved on to acting, performing in a number of K-dramas. With an estimated net worth of $100 million, Kim Jae-joong is currently Korea’s richest K-pop idol.
2. Choi Siwon
Choi Siwon is a South Korean singer, actor, and businessman who rose to fame as a member of Super Junior. He went on to appear in films and perform lead roles in Korean dramas later in his career. He has a net worth of $55 million, according to media sources.
3. PSY (Park Jae-sang)
PSY, or Park Jae-sang, is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. The artist, whose hit Gangnam Style made him a global success, is expected to have a net worth of $60 million by 2022.
4. G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong)
Although G-Dragon and his group BIGBANG exited the K-pop market in 2017, his popularity has never waned. The Korean singer has a massive net worth and is one of the richest K-pop stars in the industry. His net worth is currently estimated to be over $55 million, according to reports.
5. Rain (Jung Ji-hoon)
Since 1998, Rain has been a part of the Korean entertainment business. He joined JYP Entertainment as a soloist after his band, Fanclub, split. With a net worth of $49 million, he is currently one of Korea’s wealthiest celebrities.
6. IU (Lee Ji-eun)
IU is regarded as a multi-talented star in South Korea, having not only established herself as one of the top K-pop artists but also as an actress. The 29-year-old is also one of her generation’s wealthiest K-pop and K-drama stars. IU has a net worth of between $31 and $45 million, according to reports.
7. Taeyang (Dong Young-bae)
Taeyang is a member of the famed K-pop group BIGBANG, dubbed the “Kings of K-pop” at one point. Not just in South Korea, but also in neighbouring nations, the singer has reached widespread success. Taeyang’s net worth has reportedly increased to $35 million.
8. J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok)
BTS, the most popular K-pop group right now, is a global sensation as well as a domestic favourite. However, J-hope, one of the rappers, is said to be the richest of the group. The idol’s current net worth is between $32 and $34 million.
9. Lee Hyori
Lee Hyori, who started with the girl group Fin. K. L, is reportedly one of the highest-paid female singers in the K-pop industry. Her net worth is reported to be between $30 and $40 million, and she now has her own successful Netflix show called Hyori’s Homestay.
10. DARA (Sandara Park)
Dara Park began her career as a member of 2NE1, one of the most popular K-pop girl groups of all time. After the band disbanded in 2016, she went on to establish a successful solo career. She excelled in K-dramas and reality TV shows in addition to singing. The K-pop singer-turned-actress is thought to be worth over $30 million.
11. Bae Suzy
Bae Suzy first rose to prominence as a member of the legendary girl group Miss A. Following their breakup in 2017, Bae pursued a career as a pop artist and actress, appearing in popular K-dramas such as Start-Up. She is one of the wealthiest South Korean celebrities, according to reports, with a net worth of $30 million.
12. BOA (Kwon Bo-ah)
BOA is a well-known Japanese and South Korean singer who went on to become one of K-most pop’s successful female soloists. After 22 years in the industry, she is said to have a net worth of around $25 million.
We’ve finished the list, which means we can all go back to crying in our underwear.
