Did Park Hyungsik Really Make 400 Million Won Per Episode?
When it comes to K-drama paychecks, the numbers can sound like something out of a K-pop fantasy. Recently, rumors swirled that idol-turned-actor Park Hyungsik pocketed a jaw-dropping 400 million won (approx. $300,000) per episode for the drama TWELVE. But guess what? Not true, says his agency—and they’re not being shy about shutting it down.
Agency Speaks Out Against ‘False Information’
On September 17, REVE Entertainment, Park’s management company, released a rare official statement to clear the air: “The reported appearance fees for Park Hyungsik—from Dr. Slump to his latest work TWELVE—do not reflect reality.”
Their message? Say goodbye to unverified figures and hello to facts.
“We’re seeing too much misinformation being treated as truth,” the agency added. “Park Hyungsik approaches every project with sincerity, and we hope fans will continue to support his future work warmly.”
Where Did the Rumor Come From?
The flashy figure first surfaced courtesy of Korean media speculation, claiming that the actor’s pay was a major chunk of the TWELVE production budget—allegedly impacting the drama’s quality. Earlier whispers also suggested he earned an even heftier 500 million won per episode for a previous show.
Online commentary got heated fast. Some netizens criticized the alleged paycheck, pointing out that “idol-turned-actors” like Park often get overpaid. Others pushed back, saying his international fanbase might justify the premium.
K-Drama Salaries Are Usually Off the Record
Just to be clear: Actors’ salaries in Korea are typically hush-hush. Confidentiality clauses in contracts mean stars rarely, if ever, reveal their paychecks.
So why break tradition? For Park, it seems the spread of fake numbers reached a boiling point. Rather than sit back, he opted to get ahead of the gossip—without disclosing any specific digits himself.
Fans Applaud the Transparency
Though the exact number remains under wraps, Park Hyungsik’s decision to set the record straight has fans cheering. One comment summed up the mood: “He didn’t have to say anything, but he did. That alone shows integrity.”
The buzz also sparked bigger conversations about how rumors shape public perception—and how stars are choosing to fight back.
Wrap-Up: Drawing the Line at Drama Pricing
Park Hyungsik isn’t just putting out solid performances—he’s also drawing a line where fiction meets reality. As K-dramas go global and actor fees climb, maybe it’s time for a more honest look at what’s hype and what’s hypebole.
So, what do you think? Should stars be more open about their paychecks, or is the mystery part of the magic?
