Byun Woo-seok's Advertising Value Triples After 'Seonamyuyeol'

Byun Woo-seok, often referred to as the 'it' actor of the moment, has seen his advertising fees skyrocket, reportedly tripling in a short period. This remarkable increase is considered a rare occurrence in the industry.

Recent reports reveal that Byun's 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 Seonamyuyeol (선재 업고 튀어), which marked a significant turning point in his career.

Before the drama aired, Byun was earning less than 400 million KRW (around $340,000) per year from advertisements, a respectable amount but far from the heights he has reached now. Following the show's success and widespread popularity, Byun quickly ascended to stardom.

In the advertising world, often seen as a barometer of popularity, he has received numerous offers, becoming the face of approximately 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 'overnight star'—his life has transformed dramatically.

His advertising fees have surged since the conclusion of Seonamyuyeol in May, exceeding 1 billion KRW within just six months. Industry insiders suggest that discussions around his fees are now in the range of 1 to 1.5 billion KRW. While not every contract reaches the 1 billion mark, it is estimated that his total advertising earnings have already surpassed 10 billion KRW (approximately $8.5 million).

With this newfound fame, curiosity about Byun's fees for future projects is growing. Given the success of Seonamyuyeol, 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, "He is likely to join the ranks of actors with guarantees in the hundreds of millions for his next project."

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

Additionally, Byun will wrap up the year by attending the 2024 MAMA AWARDS, where he is set to appear as a presenter on the 22nd and perform the OST 'Sonagi' from Seonamyuyeol on the 23rd.