Exclusive: Rumor of Park Si-hoo’s 500 Million Won TikTok Earnings Debunked – Chosun Ilbo

South Korean actor Park Si-hoo has become the center of widespread speculation regarding his supposed earnings from TikTok, with rumors claiming he had amassed approximately 500 million won (roughly $370,000) from the popular social media platform. These claims, which circulated widely across online communities and entertainment news sites, have now been definitively refuted by sources close to the actor.

Industry insiders familiar with the situation clarified that the reported figures were significantly inflated and had no factual basis. The rumors began gaining traction last week when several social media accounts posted unverified information about Park’s alleged social media income, citing anonymous sources supposedly connected to the entertainment industry.

Park, a veteran actor known for his roles in acclaimed dramas including “The Princess Man” and “Prosecutor Princess,” has maintained a relatively modest presence on TikTok compared to other Korean celebrities who actively leverage the platform for promotional activities and fan engagement. While Park does have an official account, his posting frequency and engagement metrics fall well below the threshold typically required to generate substantial revenue through the platform’s creator fund program.

Representatives from Park’s management agency expressed concern about the misinformation, stating that such unfounded rumors could potentially mislead the public about both the actor’s financial situation and the realities of social media monetization in South Korea.

“These exaggerated claims about Park Si-hoo’s TikTok earnings are completely groundless,” said an industry expert who specializes in digital content monetization. “While it’s true that some top-tier content creators in Korea can earn significant amounts from social media platforms, the numbers being circulated in this case are unrealistic given the actor’s engagement patterns and posting frequency.”

The controversy highlights the growing intersection between traditional entertainment figures and digital platforms in South Korea’s rapidly evolving media landscape. As K-drama stars and film actors increasingly turn to social media to maintain their public presence, questions about revenue generation and financial transparency have become more prominent in public discourse.

TikTok has emerged as a particularly influential platform in the Korean entertainment ecosystem, with many celebrities using it to promote their projects and maintain relevance with younger audiences. The platform’s creator fund, introduced in recent years, allows popular content creators to monetize their videos based on view counts and engagement metrics.

However, industry analysts note that the actual earnings for most celebrities remain modest compared to their traditional income sources such as drama appearances, film roles, and commercial endorsements. Even for dedicated content creators who post daily, reaching the 500 million won mark would require exceptional view counts sustained over a considerable period.

The incident also underscores the speed with which unverified information can spread in South Korea’s digital ecosystem. Entertainment news, particularly regarding celebrities’ financial matters, frequently becomes subject to exaggeration and distortion as it travels through online communities and messaging platforms.

Korean entertainment agencies have increasingly found themselves in the position of having to address such rumors directly, with some establishing dedicated teams to monitor and respond to misinformation about their talent roster.

Park Si-hoo, who first rose to prominence in the late 2000s and has maintained a steady acting career despite previous controversies, has not personally addressed the earnings rumors. The 46-year-old actor is currently focused on his upcoming projects, including a new drama series expected to begin production later this year.

Media analysts suggest that as the lines between traditional media and digital platforms continue to blur, both the public and entertainment journalists will need to develop more sophisticated approaches to evaluating claims about social media earnings and digital revenue streams in the Korean entertainment industry.