Im Young-woong's event fee tops W100m, highest in industry — where do other trot singers rank?

Singer Im Young-woong is estimated to command an event appearance fee of 100 million won ($73,500) or more, as estimated fees for a range of popular trot singers — including Lee Chan-won, Young-tak, Song Ga-in, Jang Yoon-jung and Shim Soo-bong — have been made public.

A video titled "2026 trot singers' event fees fully revealed — dramatically changed TOP 5 rankings" was posted Thursday on the YouTube channel "Respect Lee Jin-ho."

The video estimated appearance fees for various trot singers, placing Im at the top of the industry with a fee believed to exceed 100 million won. Im is not currently appearing at the types of events commonly referred to in the industry, such as regional festivals.

"Because Im Young-woong loves soccer, I think he would come out if South Korea makes it to the semifinals or quarterfinals," host Lee Jin-ho said.

According to Lee, industry insiders estimate Im's fee at more than 100 million won. However, the maximum event fee that organizers can pay a single performer is understood to be around 100 million won, meaning that booking Im would effectively leave no budget for any other singer.

Along with Im, the top-earning trot singers are widely considered to be the top seven finalists from TV Chosun's "Mr. Trot."

Kim Ho-joong, who drew public criticism in 2024 over a drunk-driving hit-and-run incident, commands around 50 million won per event. Kim was sentenced to two years and six months in prison and was released on parole in June.

Young-tak is estimated at 38 million won and Lee Chan-won at 35 million won, while Song Ga-in is estimated at between 30 million and 35 million won. Shim Soo-bong and Jang Yoon-jung are each estimated at around 30 million won.

Park Ji-hyun was also singled out as a rising name to watch.

Park's event fee is estimated at around 30 million won, and she is said to have more than 25 events scheduled in October alone. Kim Yong-bin and Park Seo-jin are each estimated at around 25 million won.

The fees cited in the video are not official appearance rates but estimates from industry insiders, and actual amounts may vary depending on contract terms and the scale of each event.