5 Korean Dramas with the Highest Ratings Starring High-Paid Actresses

Kapanlagi.com - High ratings in Korean dramas are not only influenced by the good storyline, but also the acting abilities of the actors. In addition, the visual appearance of the artists also contributes to the success of a Korean drama.

However, it cannot be denied that above all, the popularity of the artists becomes the main booster since the drama was first promoted. As evidence, here are a series of Korean dramas with the highest ratings starring high-paid artists.

1. YOU WHO CAME FROM THE STARS - Jun Ji Hyun

credit via SBS

First, there is a super hit drama that achieved the highest ratings of its time, YOU WHO CAME FROM THE STARS. This Korean drama is starred by Jun Ji Hyun, who is also one of the most expensive actresses in Korea.

This drama tells the story of an alien who has been on Earth for 400 years, during the Joseon Dynasty, named Do Min Joon (Kim Soo Hyun). He is super handsome and has the ability to see, hear, and move faster than normal humans.

Until finally, his time on Earth is only 3 months left, but he falls in love with Cheon Song Yi (Jin Ji Hyun), a superstar in Korea.

Because of this Korean drama, Jun Ji Hyun's income has sharply increased. Even the lipstick and jacket she wore in this drama sold out worldwide.

2. JEWEL IN THE PALACE - Lee Young Ae

credit via MBC

In second place is JEWEL IN THE PALACE which was also a hit in its time. This drama tells the story of a legendary woman who became an icon of emancipation in Korea named Jang Geum (Lee Young Ae), who later became the first female doctor for the royal family in Korean history.

Despite her background from the lower class, Jang Geum faced various challenges. However, her life story is so impressive, from a royal cook, royal doctor, to a special doctor for the king.

As a result, this drama achieved a perfect rating of 10, the highest rating for a Korean drama. This also had an impact on the actress's income. Not only did she earn a fantastic salary, Lee Young Ae even became the most beloved and respected actress in Korea because of this drama.

3. AUTUMN IN MY HEART - Song Hye Kyo

credit via SBS

Equally impressive, there is AUTUMN IN MY HEART starring Song Hye Kyo. This Korean drama presents a tear-jerking storyline. The story revolves around Yoon Joon Suh (Song Seung Heon) and Yoon Eun Suh (Song Hye Kyo) who were raised as siblings.

However, Eun Suh actually comes from a different family and was switched at birth by someone at the hospital. This truth is only revealed after Eun Suh has an accident and loses a lot of blood, but the donor from her family is not a match.

Her life changes when Eun Suh is returned to her family. Meanwhile, the Yoon family moves to America, and Eun Suh continues her life with her biological family in Korea. As an adult, she accidentally meets Joon Suh.

Their reunion story is truly tear-jerking. However, on the other hand, this drama actually garnered very high ratings, skyrocketing Song Hye Kyo's name. As a result, the income of this actress, who is known in Korea and internationally, skyrocketed, making Song Hye Kyo the highest-paid actress in Korea.

4. STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN - Choi Ji Woo

credit via SBS

Next, there is STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN which tells the story of childhood friends Cha Song Joo (Kwon Sang Woo) and Hang Jung Seo (Choi Ji Woo) whose relationship becomes complicated when Jung Seo's father remarries.

As a result of this marriage, Jung Seo has a stepmother, introverted stepbrother Han Tae Hwa (Shin Hyun Joon), and mischievous stepsister Han Yu Ri (Kim Tae Hee). Tae Hwa falls in love with Jung Seo, while Yu Ri wants to win over Song Joo.

However, the love between Song Joo and Jung Seo remains strong, even when Song Joo goes to America. One day, Jung Seo gets into an accident and is reported dead. However, she is still alive but loses her memory and is intentionally given a different name by Tae Hwa.

Five years later, Song Joo unexpectedly reunites with his former love, Jung Seo. Thanks to this dramatic story, STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN not only had a sharp increase in ratings but also propelled Choi Ji Woo's name internationally, making her the highest-paid actress in Korea.

5. SOMETHING HAPPENED IN BALI - Ha Ji Won

credit via SBS

Last but not least, there is SOMETHING HAPPENED IN BALI that also made Bali famous in Korea. This drama tells the story of a travel agency looking for opportunities in Bali named Lee Soo Jung (Ha Ji Won). She meets Jae Min (Jo In Sung), Kang In Wook (So Ji Sub), and Choi Young Joo (Park Ye Jin), all of whom are involved in a love triangle.

However, when Lee Soo Jung returns to Korea, she dares to ask Jae Min for a job, which leads to many events that make the love triangle story even more complicated. Interestingly, this drama achieved the highest ratings.

Ha Ji Won even became a highly paid actress thanks to her role in this drama. She then became the most sought-after actress in Korea, winning many awards and of course being recognized as a highly paid actress.

Out of these Korean dramas, which ones have you watched, KLovers?

(kly/tmi)