Lee Jung-jae Responds to High Fee Rumors

Jan 05, 2025

photo courtesy of Netflix

Actor Lee Jung-jae has expressed his position on the high-cost appearance fee theory.

Lee Jung-jae recently met with Sports Chosun at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, and said, `There is a misunderstanding, but it is true that I received a lot of money.' `However, I don't know if my fee is the highest fee ever per episode.'

Netflix's original series 'Squid Game 2' has been a syndrome-level hit worldwide since its release in September 2021. Season 2, which returned after three years, is a story about a fierce battle between Ki-hoon (Lee Jung-jae), who returns to the game after vowing revenge, and the frontman (Lee Byung-hun), who greets him, and the real game that begins again, followed by director Hwang Dong-hyuk's megaphone.

Recently, there has been a steady mention of 'increasing performance fees' in the K-content industry. This is because it is pointed out that as the global OTT platform has entered Korea, the price of actors has increased, and production costs have risen. In particular, Lee Jung-jae's appearance fee in 「Squid Game 2" is known to amount to 1 billion won per episode, drawing hot attention even before the release of the work.

Lee Jung-jae said "There is a misunderstanding, but it is also true that he received a lot of money (for the appearance). I'm not sure if it's the highest fee ever paid per episode. However, since 'Squid Game 2' is a global project, the US agency to which I belong and Netflix headquarters had to consult. In fact, a good contract is important, but it is more important to have a good relationship with each other. If the relationship breaks down, nothing can proceed after that. From that point of view, it seems that we have proceeded with a sufficiently satisfactory contract."

photo courtesy of Netflix

In addition, Lee Jung-jae attracted great attention as he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In response, he "I arrived 20 minutes early at the interview site today and searched SNS, and there was a report that I was going to join the MCU." It's a story I don't know (laughs). I think I'll ask the US agent later. I wonder what role you would play if you were to appear on the MCU. Even when the offer of 'Acolite' came, he said he couldn't play a villain. At that time, one of the reasons why Ki-hoon was loved by viewers all over the world was because of 'goodness', but he said it was too early to appear as a villain. Even if an offer was made (from the MCU), I still have 'Squid Game 3', so it's important what role it will be,' he said with a smile. "I think it's too much for me to talk about this." When asked if there were many offers coming from Hollywood, Lee Jung-jae drew the line, saying, `There are actually many offers coming, but there is nothing I can say exactly at this point.'

Lee Jung-jae also mentioned the status of K-content, which has changed since the release of the 'Squid Game' series. He said, "'Squid Game' has been very interested in the series from abroad, so I get various questions about it.'"I definitely feel that the view of the country 'Korea' has changed a lot compared to the past. The reaction is very different from when I introduced myself as a Korean before." At the same time, "My fame will not last for a thousand years, and if I have an opportunity to promote K-content abroad through myself, I must participate." In season 1, I ran away because I was busy with my work, but now I'm trying to make time because I thought 'Running away is not the right answer'. I don't know how long that opportunity will come to me, but if a more famous person shows up, I hope he continues well" revealed the wind.

Meanwhile, Netflix 'Squid Game 2' was released in full on the 26th of last month. Season 3 is set to be released in 2025.

antahn22@sportschosun.com

Lee Jung-jae Responds to High Fee Rumors

K-drama