South Korean Producers and Agencies Agree to Limit Actors' Fees in State-Backed Films

Film producers and major talent agencies agreed Thursday to cap actors' appearance fees at below 10 percent of net production costs for state-backed mid- and low-budget films. The non-binding deal covers productions financed through the Korean Film Council's support program. The agreement was signed at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul.

Under its terms, fees for lead and supporting actors must stay below the 10 percent threshold of net production costs. Yonhap reported that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and KOFIC confirmed the signing. Actors' fees accounted for 18 to 19 percent of the average 9.5 billion-won production budget in 2024, according to KOFIC data, and made up nearly half of all labor expenses.

The government introduced its film support program in 2025 with a 10 billion-won fund and expanded it to 46 billion won this year. Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young said the voluntary cap represented "a warm sense of solidarity and a courageous, mature decision" to help revive Korean cinema.

"This wave of cooperation will become the most powerful energy in bringing audiences back to Korean films," Chae said.

KOFIC Chairman Han Sang-jun stated that support for mid-budget productions would serve as "a catalyst for diversity and sustainable growth" in the local film industry. Son Seock-woo, chief executive of BH Entertainment, said the industry should address structural imbalances and build a healthier ecosystem.

"I hope today's agreement will serve as a first step in discussing how to create an industry that can endure together over the long term," Son said.