Rumors some have heard about how much Jo Yuri is reported to be getting paid if she were to participate in Netflix's Squid Game Season 2 has led to an online shitstorm regarding appropriate pay in the K-Ent industry as well as the meteoric rise of idol-turned-actors.

Following the alleged leak of cast salaries, Jo, a former K-pop idol and rookie actress, became one of the most talked-about names online.

Reports claimed she was paid up to 300 million KRW (approximately $221,000) per episode, despite her relatively short acting career, which began in 2022 with the web drama Mimicus.

The claim quickly divided public opinion.

Critics questioned whether someone with limited acting experience deserved such a high paycheck for a globally recognized series.

"It feels unfair to seasoned actors when idols get big roles quickly," one netizen wrote.

Another added, "Too fast, too soon. What about the trained actors who struggled for years?"

Others came to Jo's defense, citing her visible efforts and growing talent.

"She's actually good at acting, why not?" one supporter commented. Another wrote, "It's a result of hard work. She deserves it."

In a recent interview with the YouTube channel Kkondaehee, Jo addressed her audition process for the series, revealing the emotional toll of repeated rejections.

"I auditioned for two roles per week," she said. "I was rejected for everything—except one. Squid Game. I cried when I heard I passed the fourth and final audition round."

Although Jo has not publicly confirmed her exact pay, industry insiders say it is common for lead actors in major streaming projects to earn between 100 million to 400 million KRW per episode.

Lead actor Lee Jung-jae is reportedly earning over 10.1 billion KRW (around $7.5 million) for the season.

Jo responded to the ₩4.2 billion appearance fee rumors earlier this year, telling media, "I burst out laughing, never touched such an amount."

Despite the controversy, Jo's acting career appears to be on the rise.

Her role in Squid Game Season 2, one of the most anticipated releases of the year, may serve as a turning point.

With her persistence, fans say, she may be well on her way to proving she's more than just an idol face.