On February 27, 2026, the YouTube channel 'B급 스튜디오' became the center of attention in South Korea's entertainment world when singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong sat down for a candid conversation about his meteoric rise to fame, his earnings from the iconic drama 'Boys Over Flowers' (꽃보다 남자), and the personal challenges that followed. The episode, part of the channel’s ongoing 'B급 청문회 리부트' series, offered rare insight into the life of a star who once seemed to have the world at his feet.
Kim Hyun-joong, now a seasoned entertainer, was joined by hosts Park Hyo-jun, Choi Sung-min, Nam Ho-yeon, and Kim Seung-jin. The conversation quickly turned to the drama that defined a generation: the 2009 KBS 2TV sensation 'Boys Over Flowers.' The show, which propelled Kim to stardom as the beloved character 'Yoon Ji-hoo,' remains a cultural touchstone both in South Korea and across Asia.
But as the hosts reminisced about the drama’s runaway success, Nam Ho-yeon posed a simple question: "How popular was it, really, when you were filming?" The answer, as it turned out, was more complicated than the legend. Kim was quick to clarify a common misconception. "People misunderstand and think it was number one in viewership ratings," he said. "But it wasn’t. MBC’s 'East of Eden' (에덴의 동쪽) actually held the top spot at the time." According to Newsen and Segye Ilbo, Kim’s correction surprised even the hosts, who—like much of the public—had assumed 'Boys Over Flowers' reigned supreme in the ratings war.
Despite not topping the charts, the drama’s impact was undeniable. Kim described his life at age 23 as a blur of constant activity. "It was so popular, I couldn’t even feel it. I’d wake up, shoot a commercial, then wake up again and shoot something else. I couldn’t go outside," he recalled, as reported by Sports Seoul. The sudden, overwhelming fame left little room for normalcy, let alone downtime. "I was just working all the time," he added, a sentiment echoed by Nam Ho-yeon, who remarked, "You must not have even known how much was piling up in your bank account."
To that, Kim responded with a laugh, "But I knew how much was in my account. There’s no one who doesn’t know that." The conversation then took a direct turn when Choi Sung-min speculated, "You must have made a fortune. Maybe 10 billion KRW?" (roughly 100 billion KRW). Kim’s reply was as honest as it was startling: "I might have earned more than that." This admission, highlighted by every major outlet covering the interview, underscored just how lucrative his peak years were.
For context, 10 billion KRW is a staggering sum, especially for a young actor in his early twenties. Kim’s willingness to acknowledge the scale of his earnings—without boasting—gave viewers a rare glimpse into the financial realities of Korean stardom. As News1 and Segye Ilbo noted, his answer left the hosts and audience alike in awe.
But money and fame were only part of Kim’s story. The interview also touched on the challenges that followed his rise. Kim openly addressed past controversies, including a 2014 assault case involving his former girlfriend. He was fined 5 million KRW after the incident, a penalty he accepted. "Even in a situation where I just pushed, it was recognized as assault, so I paid the 5 million won. I didn’t expect things to get so big," Kim explained, according to Sports Seoul. He added, "I don’t mind it anymore."
The legal battle didn’t end there. His ex-girlfriend later filed a 16 billion KRW civil lawsuit, leading to a drawn-out legal fight that lasted six years. Reflecting on the ordeal, Kim said, "At that time, my lawyer handled everything. Now it’s all settled. It took a long time to be declared innocent. I didn’t gain or lose anything in the end." His comments revealed a sense of closure and a focus on moving forward. "I know there are things I can’t undo. I don’t dwell on the past. What matters is the future," he said. "There’s no need to feel wronged. I realized that for celebrities, being declared innocent doesn’t always mean you’re truly innocent in the public eye."
Despite these hardships, Kim’s legacy from 'Boys Over Flowers' remains intact. The drama, though not technically number one in ratings, was a phenomenon. It sparked a wave of fandom across Asia and made household names out of its cast. Kim’s portrayal of 'Yoon Ji-hoo'—with his gentle demeanor and memorable lines—became iconic. When asked about his favorite quotes from the show, Kim fondly recalled, "If I have white cloth and wind, I can go anywhere," and the fan-favorite, "Let me be one, Geum Jan-di’s honorary firefighter." These lines, still referenced by fans years later, serve as a reminder of the drama’s enduring appeal.
The candid nature of the interview, broadcast on 'B급 스튜디오,' resonated with viewers. For many, it was a chance to see a different side of Kim Hyun-joong: not just the idol or actor, but a person who has weathered both the highs of stardom and the lows of public scrutiny. His openness about his earnings, his struggles, and his outlook on life struck a chord with fans old and new.
In the world of Korean entertainment, where image is everything and stars often shy away from discussing money or controversy, Kim’s willingness to lay it all bare was both refreshing and, perhaps, a sign of changing times. As the YouTube episode continued to rack up views, it was clear that Kim Hyun-joong’s story—of fame, fortune, and resilience—still holds the public’s fascination.
Now, as Kim looks ahead, he seems determined to focus less on the past and more on what’s next. For viewers and fans, his story is a reminder that behind the glitz and headlines, there are real people navigating the complex world of celebrity. And sometimes, the most compelling drama happens off screen.