How Much Is 'The Heirs' Star Kim Woo Bin Worth?

Kim Woo Bin is one of the hottest stars these days. Starting with his appearance last year in SBS' "A Gentleman's Dignity," and this year in KBS 2TV's "School 2013," he has been rising in popularity. He also starred in the movie Friend 2 and is appearing now in SBS' "The Heirs," and is one of the most popular actors right now. He shows off charisma with his characters, and leaves a lasting impression with the viewers. His charming looks play a big part in that, and his surprisingly good acting skills are a big contributing factor. Well-rehearsed actors such as Jeon Do Yeon and Ha Ji Won have commented that he is an actor they can look forward to in the future.

Let's take a look at Kim Woo Bin's fame in the broadcasting, advertising, and the movie industry.

Broadcasting: Kim Woo Bin is one of the most powerful alternatives to actors active in the military, such as Song Joong Ki and Yoo Ah In.

In the beginning it seemed as if Kim Woo Bin would be left behind by fellow "School 2013" actor and best friend Lee Jong Suk, but Kim Woo Bin really made a mark with his role in "The Heirs." He took on the role of rebel Choi Young Do, and showed off a charisma that is not unparalleled to that of Lee Min Ho. He was praised for showcasing his intense look and somewhat nonchalant chi manner, as well as playing the "bad boy" that has a scarred past. One drama rep stated, "Even among the fans that gather on set to watch us film, Kim Woo Bin's fans are not too shabby compared to that of Lee Min Ho. If Lee Min Ho's fans are labeled as being multinational, the fans that gather when Kim Woo Bin is on set feels like they are all of Korea's female students."

At 24 Kim Woo Bin still has some time before he is supposed to leave for active military service, and he can fill in the empty spaces left by Song Joong Ki (28), Yoo Ah In (27), and Park Yoochun (27). For now he's expected to battle it out for the number 1 spot in mini-series with his best friend Lee Jong Suk (24). Kim Soo Hyun (25), Kim Bum (24), and Sung Joon (23) seem to be his contenders. Since they are typically sweet-looking and gentle figures, Kim Woo Bin's tough charm is likely to shine very brightly in comparison.

Even the broadcasting reps are eager for Kim Woo Bin. One SBS rep stated, "In situations where actors take on such roles as Kim Woo Bin is playing in 'The Heirs,' there's a big chance that viewers can start to hate the actor as well. However, Kim Woo Bin has done so fine of a job playing the role that people love him, despite his role as the bad guy."

Another drama rep stated, "His detailed emotional acting and the way he uses his face muscles are his greatest strengths. His understanding of the character is far better than those of other actors his age."

Advertising: Kim Woo Bin's worth has jumped from roughly $200,000 to $450,000 after starring in "The Heirs."

In considering advertising, the largest beneficiary of "The Heirs" is Kim Woo Bin. According to advertising reps, Kim Woo Bin's worth in advertising before starring in "The Heirs" was roughly $200,000. However, it's almost doubled to $445,000. While it is true that Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye boast a huge price, they've started out at a higher price, and in comparison, Kim Woo Bin shines.

Kim Woo Bin is currently representing 7 different brands, such as True Zen (men's suits), Diadora, Smart Uniforms, and Buckaroo. A rep from Kim Woo Bin's agency shared, "We've received additional requests from 6 other companies. There are many advertising contracts that just ended, and he will be appear in those ads after he is done with 'The Heirs.'"

The companies that seek after Kim Woo Bin are mostly brands that target young people. An advertising rep stated, "Kim Woo Bin meets the requirements to fit the image for trendy fashion brands. He has the build, the look, and the right aura about him. To add onto that, his hotel heir image in 'The Heirs' has made him a prime contender to appear as an advertising model." Lee Jong Suk is receiving about $400,000 to $450,000 right now. Lee Jong Suk has appeared in works such as "School 2013" and "I Hear Your Voice," and it seems as if Kim Woo Bin has overtaken that amount with his appearance in "The Heirs."

Movie: Everyone wants Kim Woo Bin; there have already been about 10 scenarios requesting Kim Woo Bin's casting.

Even Korea's Hollywood Chungmuro reps have been looking into Kim Woo Bin. Kim Woo Bin has been praised for having a masculine appeal that is usually found in 60's or 70's Korean movie star. One movie rep stated, "Kim Woo Bin is different from the handsome stars that show off their fictitious and made up toughness through their bodies. Instead, he brings forth his masculinity through his voice, expression, and eyes. He even has a certain sexiness about him. Since he doesn't have an overly handsome face, there are a wide range of roles he can take on. Although there haven't been a whole lot of young stars in the movie industry, he's definitely one to look for."

Friend 2 director Kwak Kyung Taek said, "He has very good proportions, and is a very charismatic actor. He is sharp yet sexy, and has the ability to pull people in with his gaze," and complimented Kim Woo Bin. He even praised Kim Woo Bin's acting skills and said, "If you look at his acting career he is still just a rookie, but he is an actor that has an innate talent. He appears thoroughly prepared in his mind, so there really is not much to critique when he's acting."

Another reason why Kim Woo Bin is praised by Chungmuro is for his sincere and humble attitude. Despite being one of the most popular actors, he does his best every time he appears to film. He's been praised by many others for his down to earth personality, and senior actors have expressed that they've naturally become inclined to give him advice.

There have been many casting requests for Kim Woo Bin. A rep from his agency stated, "There are 10 film scenarios that we've received already. After his appearance in 'School 2013' there was a little bit of response from Chungmuro, but after his role in 'Friend 2' a bigger number of scenarios have been coming in. Even the genres of casting requests are many, including melodrama, romance, comedy, and action."

Tags
Kim Woo Bin
A Gentlemans Dignity
School 2013
Friend 2
The Heirs
Song Joong Ki
Yoo Ah In
Lee Jong Suk
Lee Min Ho
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