This year, Lee Byung Hun is estimated to have earned approximately 7.8 billion won in sales.

On the July 27 broadcast of Mnet's "TMI NEWS SHOW," the top ten artists with the highest first-half sales were introduced.

Lee Byung Hun placed fifth. Advertising and drama appearances reportedly generated a total of 7.8 billion won for Lee Byung Hun.

This year, he is featured in a total of six advertisements, including those for health-functional foods, a platform for trading used cars, pizza, beer, and video games. Advertisements cost approximately 800 million won per episode, while estimated earnings are 4.8 billion won.

In addition, the fee income is substantial. This year, he appeared in the 20-episode drama "Our Blues", for which he was paid 150 million won per episode. Even with simple calculations, the expected income is approximately 3 billion won.

This year, the artist with the most sales was the trot singer Lim Young Woong . Concerts, advertisements, and album sales have reportedly earned Lim Young Woong a total of 37.5 billion won.

The group BTS named the second position. BTS's total sales were 246.4 billion won, or 35.2 billion won per member. It was followed by Jun Ji Hyun (13 billion won) and Ma Dong Seok (13 billion won)

Source[1]

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]