Jo Yuri’s “Squid Game 2” Salary Sparks Heated Debate: Fair Pay or Idol Privilege?
After Netflix’s Squid Game Season 2 cast salaries were leaked online, Jo Yuri‘s name became a hot topic. Rumors suggested that despite being relatively new to acting, she may have received several hundred million KRW per episode, a claim that immediately stirred up public opinion.
Jo Yuri, who debuted as an actress in 2022 with the web drama Mimicus, landed a major role in Squid Game in under three years. Some netizens were quick to question whether an “idol-turned-actress” deserved such a prestigious role, or the paycheck that comes with it.
But fans are backing her. They point out that she’s earned praise for her growing acting skills, and more importantly, she worked hard to get there.
In a YouTube interview with the channel “Kkondaehee,” Jo revealed she auditioned for two roles per week and faced countless rejections, except one. Squid Game. She recalled tearing up upon hearing she’d passed the fourth and final audition round.
As for the money? Online speculation suggests top actors like Lee Jung-jae are earning over 10.1 billion KRW (approx. $7.5 million) for the season. Jo Yuri was rumored to earn minimum 300 million KRW (~$221,000) per episode, though industry insiders say lead roles in major OTT series typically range from 100 million to 400 million KRW.
Reactions from the public have been divided:
- “She’s actually good at acting, why not?”
- “It’s a result of hard work. She deserves it.”
- “Too fast, too soon. What about the trained actors who struggled for years?”
- “It feels unfair to seasoned actors when idols get big roles quickly.”
Despite the noise, Jo Yuri is gaining traction not just as a singer but as a serious actress. With versatility and persistence, she seems poised for an even bigger breakthrough beyond Squid Game 2.
