Byun Woo-seok's Advertising Value Triples After 'Seonam Girls High School Investigators'

Byun Woo-seok, often referred to as the 'rising star of the moment,' has seen a remarkable increase in his advertising fees, reportedly tripling in a short period. Recent reports reveal that his advertising model fee has surpassed 1 billion KRW (approximately $850,000) annually, placing him among the top-tier stars in South Korea.

His rise to fame can be closely linked to his role in the tvN drama Seonam Girls High School Investigators (선재 업고 튀어), which has significantly boosted his popularity. Initially, around the time the drama premiered, Byun was earning approximately 400 million KRW (about $340,000) per year from advertisements, a substantial amount in its own right. However, as the show gained immense popularity and became a hot topic, Byun quickly ascended to stardom.

In the advertising industry, often seen as a barometer of popularity, Byun has received numerous offers, becoming the face of around 19 brands across various sectors, including finance, home appliances, cosmetics, furniture, and cafes. His rapid rise can be described as a classic case of a 'sudden star,' transforming his life almost overnight.

His advertising fees have skyrocketed since the conclusion of Seonam Girls High School Investigators in May, surpassing 1 billion KRW within just six months. Industry insiders suggest that his fees could range between 1 billion to 1.5 billion KRW for certain contracts. While not every advertising deal reaches the 1 billion mark, it is conservatively estimated that his total advertising revenue has already exceeded 10 billion KRW (approximately $8.5 million).

With this surge in popularity, there is growing curiosity about Byun's fees for his next project. Following the success of Seonam Girls High School Investigators, industry experts predict that he could command a guarantee of over 100 million KRW (around $85,000) per episode. A representative from a production company stated, "In his next project, he will likely join the ranks of actors who receive guarantees in the hundreds of millions."

After a busy second half of the year filled with overseas fan meetings, Byun Woo-seok is currently reviewing potential projects to return to his acting career.

Additionally, Byun is set to conclude the year by attending the 2024 MAMA AWARDS, where he will serve as a presenter on the 22nd and perform the OST 'Sonagi' from Seonam Girls High School Investigators on the 23rd.