IU Is Resetting The Actress Market With Her Record-Breaking Payment For Her Upcoming K-Drama

Netflix has since denied Osen’s report.

IU is setting the pace for top actresses and the payments that they receive for their acting roles.

According to an exclusive report from Osen, IU’s appearance fee for her upcoming Netflix K-Drama You Did Good will be a staggering ₩500 million KRW (about $380,000 USD) per episode. There were rumors that she was going to be paid ₩1.00 billion KRW (about $760,000 USD) per episode but insiders stated that the rumor was unfounded.

IU will be primarily focusing on the filming for You Did Good in 2023. She was able to receive such a high payment for the K-Drama due to her popularity, influence, and ability to be a globally marketed.

You Did Good will tell the tale of one rebellious girl and one foolish man as they live on Jeju Island in the 1950s. IU will play the female lead and Park Bo Gum will be the male lead. You Did Good will have an estimated production cost of ₩60.0 billion KRW (about $45.6 million USD) as a period-drama style set will need to be constructed at Jeju Island.

The production company for You Did Good told Osen that they could not comment on IU’s appearance fee.

We ask for your understanding that it is difficult to comment on the actors’ appearance fee or the total production cost.

— Fan Entertainment

Netflix also declined to elaborate on Osen’s report.

We cannot tell you as it is a secret clause that is part of the contract. We cannot officially disclose that part.

— Netflix

Reports of IU’s massive appearance fee is a good sign of change in the acting industry, as historically, male actors would be paid significantly more than their female counterparts.