The roaring success of Squid Game pioneered the Hallyu wave globally, spawning a much-anticipated second season on Netflix. While we don’t know the nitty-gritty of director Hwang Dong-hyuk’s thrilling plot this time around, what we do know is that the show will break massive streaming records just like its first instalment. Among the many aspects that led to Squid Game’s global dominion is surely its ensemble cast, which saw a meteoric rise in stardom. Each member’s riches have surely grown since the show aired in 2021, catapulting their net worth to new heights. As we await the show’s second instalment to hit our screens, let’s quickly look at the 10 richest Squid Game cast members ranked by their net worth, discovering which of the actors have amassed the most wealth.
According to Bloomberg data, Squid Game garnered a whopping USD 900 million for Netflix. That’s the power one megahit holds in the streaming era. Whereas the show cost just USD 21.4 million to produce, about USD 2.4 million an episode. Now, that’s one profitable venture!
The dark dystopian thriller featuring 456 players as they embark on playing deadly children’s games certainly isn’t for the weak-hearted. From Lee Jung-jae’s lead role as a divorced chauffeur and gambling addict Gi-hun and HoYeon Jung’s iconic portrayal of North Korean defector, Kang Sae-byeok, to O Yeong-su’s twisted elderly man role as Oh Il-nam who is ultimately revealed to be the show’s main antagonist – each cast member aced their part and how.
With that, let’s unravel the net worth of the richest Squid Game actors.
Richest Squid Game cast members, ranked by net worth
South China Morning Post has mentioned the actors’ reported net worth in a 2022 article, placing Lee Byung-hun at the first spot while Heo Sung-tae sits at the 10th spot. Take a look:
1. Lee Byung-hun (USD 20 million)
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Lee Byung-hun, who plays the role of the dreaded Front Man in the show, is the richest Squid Game star. In his more than three-decade-long stint in showbiz, Hun has appeared in a number of Hollywood blockbusters like G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra, Terminator Genisys and The Magnificent Seven. He’s also the first-ever South Korean actor to present an Oscar at the Academy Awards. The actor is all set to reprise his role in Squid Game 2.
2. Lee Jung-jae (USD 12 million)
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Starring in over 30 films and 15 TV shows, Lee Jung-jae is one of the most successful South Korean actors of all time. The seasoned veteran’s road to international fame came with Squid Game, nominating him for awards like Golden Globe, Emmy, Critics’ Choice, Screen Actors Guild and more. Apart from acting, Lee Jung-jae is a successful entrepreneur. He has a chain of restaurants in Seoul, a real estate development company Seorim C&D and several other businesses with fellow actor Jung Woo-sung. The duo established the entertainment label Artist Company in 2016 and appointed themselves as the CEOs. Lee Jung-jae is also returning for Squid Game’s second instalment.
3. Gong Yoo (USD 7 million)
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The Goblin hitmaker is another K-drama veteran whose career spans more than two decades. Famous for his roles in Train to Busan, Coffee Prince and Silenced, Gong Yoo starred as the notorious salesman in Squid Game, recruiting participants in the deadly competition. Gong Yoo has appeared in Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity list multiple times, holds brand deals with reputed brands, and reportedly owns a holiday home in Jeju island and a theatre house in Hong Kong among other things, all contributing to his net worth. Gong Yoo will join the main cast lineup in Squid Game 2.
4. HoYeon Jung (USD 4 million)
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In her first audition as an actor, top model HoYeon Jung bagged a central role in Squid Game. Her breakthrough debut made her a global star, with the actor reportedly earning 13 million Instagram followers within weeks of the series’ release. Before her acting debut, HoYeon Jung was a successful model in South Korea who worked with A-listers like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci. She even competed in the fourth season of Korea’s Net Top Model, finishing as a runner-up.
Following her meteoric success in Squid Game, Jung minted many brand ambassadorship deals with the likes of Louis Vuitton, Lancôme, and more. Will she return for Squid Game 2? Well, since her character died in the first instalment, we don’t know if her comeback is possible. However, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk hinted that Jung could return as a twin in season 2.
5. Lee Yoo-mi (USD 4 million)
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Lee Yoo-mi has been a cast member of not one, but two record-shattering Netflix series: Squid Game and All of Us Are Dead. Moreover, she also became the first South Korean actress ever to win an Emmy Award for her role as Ji-yeong in Squid Game. The 30-year-old has seen massive fandom and popularity globally, enjoying over six million followers on Instagram. As for her return in Squid Game season 2, nothing has been confirmed.
6. O Yeong-su (close to USD 4 million)
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Squid Game’s naive elderly Oh Il-nam turned out to be the biggest plot twist of the show, emerging as the main antagonist at the end of season 1. O Yeong-su’s stint gauged applause from audiences and critics alike, making him a sought-after name in the industry. The series even earned him his first Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and an Emmy Award nomination. The 79-year-old is also known for his work in the Great Queen Seondeok, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter … And Spring and A Little Monk.
7. Wi Ha-joon (USD 3 million)
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Remember the police officer who disguises himself as a guard to enter the games and find his missing brother? Yes, that’s Wi Ha-joon. The actor, whose storyline remains incomplete, will mark his return in the second instalment as well. The star is well known for films like Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, Shark: The Beginning and Midnight as well as shows including Something in the Rain, Romance Is a Bonus Book, 18 Again and Little Women.
8. Anupam Tripathi (USD 3 million)
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The Indian actor made a major breakthrough in South Korean entertainment as Ali Abdul from Squid Game, tearing our hearts out with his piteous elimination. After playing many minor roles since 2014, Tripathi finally got his major break with the Netflix show. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk cited Tripathi’s emotional acting capabilities as well as fluency in Korean as the main reasons behind his casting. The actor won’t likely be seen in Squid Game 2 as his character was killed the first time around. Nonetheless, he’s one of the richest Squid Game actors based on net worth.
9. Kim Joo-ryoung (USD 2 million)
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Kim Joo-roung took on the role of the loud and manipulative woman Han Mi-nyeo or Player No. 212 in Squid Game. Ryoung has been active in showbiz since her 2003 debut Memories of Murder, playing supporting roles in multiple films, TV shows and streaming series.
10. Heo Sung-tae (USD 2 million)
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Rounding up the list of richest Squid Game actors is Heo Sung-tae, the cast member whose reported net worth is USD 2 million. We’re sure many of you hate this guy from the series, always trying to create a ruckus in the games. Having over 60 films as well as television credits to his name, Tae is best known for his role in the 2016 thriller film The Age of Shadows.
Are you excited for Squid Game 2?
(Hero and feature image credit: squidgamenetflix/ Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Lee Byung-hun, who plays the role of the dreaded Front Man in 'Squid Game' is the richest cast member with a reported net worth of USD 20 million.
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Written by
Kriti Nayyar
Senior Digital Writer, Wellness, Culture, Astrology, Tech
Kriti is a stay-at-home dog mama, whose knack for telling interesting stories keeps her erstwhile monotonous life sane. A literature & journalism degree holder, you'll find her binging on Agatha Christie novels while critiquing the everyday state of affairs. On Kriti's seldom social outings, she's seen devouring coffee sangria with appetizing bread on the side.
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