If it wasn’t already obvious, there’s a hefty price to pay for producing the high quality K-dramas that we love. That said, a few shows cost a lot more than most based on their setting and storylines, especially when it comes to costume-heavy period pieces, and CGI-laden fantasy dramas. Not to mention each show’s top stars are also compensated handsomely per episode.
Curious as to how it all works? Below we rounded up five of the most expensive K-dramas produced thus far.
10. The King: Eternal Monarch
Estimated cost: 25-30 billion won
Unsurprisingly The King: Eternal Monarch is just as expensive as it looks. Kpopmap notes that a lot of the show’s budget was spent to make up for its fantasy aspect. The production team also had the job of sprucing up Lee Min Ho as Emperor Lee Gon by surrounding him with expensive props from his clothes, to luxury cars, to actual helicopters.
9. Sweet Home
Estimated Cost: 30 billion won
A gripping tale adapted from a webtoon, Sweet Home spans 10 episodes and boasts a substantial budget, evident in its high-tech CGI crafting of monstrous characters, contributing to an episode cost of KRW 3 billion.
At its core, Sweet Home unfolds the narrative of Cha Hyun-Su, portrayed by Song Kang, as he grapples with the profound loss of his family. His journey leads him into a realm where he confronts and combats monsters, emerging as a savior intent on preserving the human race.
8. Jirisan
Estimated Cost: 30 billion won
Rich in action and mystery, Jirisan commands an extraordinary budget, attributed to elements like cutting-edge CGI, dynamic action scenes and its start-studded cast.
In the K-drama, ranger Seo Yi-Kang and his apprentice Kang Hyun-jo undertake a hazardous mission to conquer the uncharted and perilous Jiri mountain, joined later by members of the Jirisian National Park who add layers to the unfolding mysteries.
7. Snowdrop
Estimated Cost: 32 billion won
Snowdrop stands out with an extensive budget and a lineup of industry heavyweights, including Jisoo from BLACPINK, Jung Hae In, Jang Seung Jo, Yoo In Na, and Kim Hye Yoon. The substantial budget for this K-drama not only accommodates the stellar cast but also encompasses the expenses of meticulously crafted action sequences and lavish shooting locations.
6. Kingdom: Season 1 and 2
Estimated Cost: 35 billion won
According to series director Kim Seong Hun, Netflix’s breakout zombie drama Kingdom went over its assigned budget, which resulted in the production team having to pay for the additional penalty fees. He revealed in an interview with Variety that each episode required more than $1.78 million (approximately 2 billion won).
“Initially, Kingdom was intended as an eight-episode series and production was supposed to be completed in four months. In the end, however, we took about six months on production and overspent the budget,” he told Variety. The series stars top hallyu actors Ju Ji Hoon and Bae Doona.
5. Mr Sunshine
Estimated cost: 40 billion won
TVN’s period period piece cost an estimated 40 billion won for all of its 24 episodes. Much of the budget went to creating the series’ historical elements, special effects, and talent fees for its top stars. Lead actor Lee Byung Hun was rumored to have been paid 150 million won per episode. The series itself received critical acclaim for its cinematography and overall storytelling, and even won Drama of the Year at the 6th APAN Star Awards.
4. Bulgasal: Immortal Souls
Estimated Cost: 40 billion won
Bulgasal: Immortal Souls, an action-packed historical thriller, captivates audiences with a continuous display of special effects. Notably, it has recently secured a position among the most financially ambitious Korean dramas. It delves into themes, including the intriguing concept of body transformation, a significant contributor to its elevated budget.
3. The Legend
Estimated Cost: 43 billion won
Standing as one of the oldest high-budget TV productions, reports indicaed that The Legend's lead actor commanded a substantial fee of approximately KRW 250 million for his role. The production costs soared to unprecedented heights as well, propelled by the extravagant sets, special effects, locations, and intricate costumes.
2. Arthdal Chronicles
Estimated Cost: 54 billion won
Starring Song Joong Ki and Jang Dong Gun, Arthdal Chronicles marked South Korea’s first ever drama set in the ancient times, pre-civilization. The series was shot in both South Korea and Brunei, and Kpopmap points out that a huge, costly set was built especially for the show. The 2019 drama consisted of 18 episodes, with an estimated production cost of 2.5 to 3 billion won per episode, currently making it the most expensive K-drama ever produced.
1. Moving
Estimated Cost: 65 billion won
Within the realm of hit K-dramas, Moving is a distinguishable feat as it explores the lives of two generations of superpowered individuals. Spanning 20 episodes, the reported budget for the captivating series is approximately 65 billion Korean won.
Director Park In Je, in a feature highlighting the series, disclosed that this project demanded an unprecedented amount of CGI, marking a unique challenge in his career. The K-drama, comprising over 7,000 shots, enlisted the expertise of VFX companies from nine different countries. Beyond the intricate effects, the production also showcased remarkable cinematography, stunt work, and a star-studded cast featuring acting veterans of the Korean industry, such as Jo In Sung, Ryu Seung Ryong, and Han Hyo Joo.
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