K-dramas are known worldwide for their strong storytelling and high production values, but a growing concern is threatening that balance: skyrocketing actor fees. The latest example is KBS2’s fantasy drama Twelve, which became a hot topic not only for its storyline but also for the unprecedented salaries paid to its lead stars.
Ma Dong Seok and Park Hyung Sik’s Massive Payouts
KBS2’s fantasy drama Twelve became one of the most expensive productions of 2025 largely due to its lead stars’ appearance fees. Ma Dong Seok earned an unprecedented ₩500 million KRW per episode ($362,000), totaling ₩4 billion ($2.9m) for the eight-episode series. Park Hyung-sik followed with ₩400 million per episode ($290,000), collecting ₩3.2 billion ($2.3m) overall.
In stark contrast, the combined salaries of supporting actors, including Sung Dong Il, Seo In Guk, Kang Mina, Ye Soo Jung, Lee Joo Bin, Go Kyu Pil, Kim Chan Hyung, and Regina Ray—reportedly amounted to less than ₩1 billion ($725,000).
Production Costs and Budget Strain
The total production cost of Twelve was estimated at ₩22–23 billion ($16m to $16.7m). Funding came mainly from LG U+ (₩18 billion, equivalent to $13m) and KBS (₩4 billion or $2.9m), with additional sponsorship from food companies contributing around ₩200–300 million ($144,000 to $217,000) each.
Ma Dong Seok and Park Hyung Sik’s salaries alone accounted for about 34% of the budget, excluding script and directing fees. Industry officials warned that lead actors typically take up 10–15% of a budget, and exceeding 30% risks undermining the production.
Quality Issues and Viewer Backlash
Despite the star power, Twelve struggled to maintain quality. As a fantasy series, it required extensive investment in makeup, props, and CGI. Instead, resources were drained by actor guarantees, leaving limited funds for post-production.
Critics pointed out weak storytelling, awkward costumes, and underwhelming special effects. Even Ma Dong Seok’s trademark humor fell flat. Product placement also drew criticism, with extended food scenes overshadowing the fantasy elements.
The drama started with promising ratings of 8.1% nationwide (Nielsen Korea) but steadily declined, ending with just 2.4% for its finale.
Industry Concerns Over Soaring Actor Fees
Drama officials expressed concern that inflated salaries are damaging the overall industry. One insider noted, “In fantasy, post-production is the lifeblood. But when actor fees exceed 30% of the budget, it directly hurts production quality.”
This case highlights a wider issue across the Korean entertainment industry. Some top actors now command fees approaching ₩1 billion per episode ($724,000), leaving producers little room to invest in scripts, supporting casts, or sets. The imbalance has led to fewer dramas being produced, with output falling sharply from 141 dramas in 2022 to a projected 80 in 2025.
Netflix’s Response: A Soft Cap on Salaries
Earlier this month, Netflix introduced a soft cap of around ₩300 million (about $216,000 USD) per episode for Korean productions. The move came after years of skyrocketing fees that destabilized budgets.
The cap is flexible, allowing exceptions for large-scale projects and seasonal series, where actors may negotiate up to a 40% increase for later seasons. Still, even breakout stars like Byeon Woo Seok of Lovely Runner and Solo Leveling are expected to stay within this new range.
Netflix clarified that the change is not just about cost-cutting but about rebalancing budgets. By shifting resources from actor fees to writing, sets, and post-production, the streaming giant aims to ensure sustainable growth in Korean content.
What’s Next for ‘Twelve’ and the Industry
Despite disappointing ratings, Twelve was planned as a seasonal project, with the finale hinting at a second season. Whether it returns may depend on whether production companies rethink the balance between star salaries and creative investment.
For Ma Dong Seok, who not only starred but also co-wrote, co-produced, and choreographed action scenes, the criticism is particularly sharp. His multi-role involvement raises questions about whether the drama’s failure lies in spreading resources too thin across star power.
