Lee Jung Jae reached global fame after portraying the role of Seong Gi Hun in Netflix's Squid Game.
The renowned South Korean star captivated millions of hearts after witnessing how the debt-ridden Ssangmun-dong native defeated 455 participants after winning the survival-themed game.
Amid the massive success of the nine-part episode series, the 49-year-old star alongside the Squid Game cast gained recognition globally; this includes countless nominations and bagging prestigious awards left and right.
The latest is the upcoming SAG Awards on February 28, where the Netflix K-drama earned four nods; Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Ensemble in a Drama Series, and Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series.
With the actor's skyrocketing success, the question is how rich is Lee Jung Jae and where does he spend his millions?
Lee Jung Jae's Net Worth 2022: How Much was Lee Jung Jae Paid in Squid Game?
In a report cited by South China Morning Post, the award-winning actor was among 7 K-drama's highest-paid stars in 2021, joining Kim Soo Hyun, Song Hye Kyo and Jun Ji Hyun.
Given the extreme popularity and the record-breaking success of Squid Game, there's no doubt how the actor was included in the list of stars earning big chunks per episode.
According to the outlet, the Chief of Staff star is paid 300 million won or US$253,600 per episode. With the Netflix series having a total of nine episodes, it only means that Lee Jung Jae got to earn US$2.3 million for his Squid Game appearance.
Lee Jung Jae's Net Worth After Squid Game
Apart from his career as an actor and long list of endorsements, Lee Jung Jae is also an established entrepreneur.
Together with his celebrity best friend Jung Woo Sung, they founded a talent management company called Artist Company in 2016.
Today, it is one of the top-tier labels that houses South Korea's sought-after stars, including the duo, Taxi Driver actress Esom and Park Ji Hoon from All of Us Are Dead.
Growing up in an above average family, the bankable star knew where to spend his millions wisely.
Adding to the list of his investment, the 49-year-old star is an owner of a real estate development company in 2008 called Seorim C&D and owns 35 percent share from the company where he serves as the director as cited by The Korea Times.
Moreover, he also ventured into the food business and launched a chain of affluent Italian restaurants in Seoul named Il Mare.
With his multiple investments and skyrocketing career, Lee Jung Jae's net worth is estimated at $5 million, per paywizard.org.
What's Next for Lee Jung Jae?
Following the huge achievement of Squid Game, all eyes are now on its cast, as fans look forward to their upcoming projects.
As for Lee Jung Jae, he is set to release his directorial debut Hunt, starring his good friend Jung Woo Sung, Jeon Hye Jin and a special appearance of Ju Ji Hoon.
In addition, Netflix confirmed that the survival theme Kdrama will return for season 2.
IN CASE YOU MISSED: Nam Joo Hyuk Relationship Status 2022: Is the Twenty-Five, Twenty-One Star Single After Lee Sung Kyung Split?
Stay tuned to EpicStream for the latest news and updates about Lee Jung Jae.