May 28, 2025: Former K-pop idol turned actress Jo Yuri is making headlines not just for her standout performance in Squid Game 2, but also for the hefty paycheck she reportedly received for the role.
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The 23-year-old, known for her time with the now-disbanded girl group IZ*ONE, played Player 222, a pregnant contestant in the high-stakes survival game. Her emotional portrayal has earned praise from fans and critics alike — but the buzz isn’t just about her acting.
According to Korean media outlet Timetalk and a viral online forum post, Yuri allegedly earned 300 million KRW (approx. ₹1.8 crore) per episode. While this fee falls within the industry’s top-tier range for leads in streaming series, the news sparked a heated online debate.
Critics questioned whether Yuri’s relative inexperience in acting justified such a large payout. Some speculated that her idol background may have influenced her casting in a series as globally prominent as Squid Game 2. Others compared her rise to that of more seasoned actors who waited years to land similar roles — and paychecks.
However, Yuri’s fans quickly came to her defence. Many praised her dedication, noting that she reportedly auditioned for two roles every week before finally landing her breakthrough part in Squid Game 2. She even admitted to tearing up upon learning she got the role, revealing the emotional toll of repeated rejections.
Rumors once claimed she earned as much as 4.2 billion KRW for the season, a claim Yuri has publicly denied.
Industry insiders note that 100 to 400 million KRW per episode is standard for high-profile web series, making her reported fee credible. In comparison, co-star T.O.P (Cho Seung Hyun) is believed to have earned a similar amount, while Lee Jung Jae, who reprises his iconic role as Seong Gi Hun (Player 456), reportedly earned a staggering 10.1 billion KRW for the season.
Regardless of the controversy, one thing is clear — Jo Yuri has cemented her status as one of South Korea’s fastest-rising stars.