Actor Kim Seon Ho bowed his head after tax evasion allegations arose, announcing through his agency Fantagio that he had established a single-person corporation and had paid additional income taxes along with a timeline. This contrasts sharply with fellow agency artist Cha Eunwoo, who reportedly hired a law firm amid a similar controversy.
On the 4th, Fantagio released an official statement saying, “We would like to provide additional facts and our stance regarding Kim Seon Ho’s single-person corporation reported in recent news.”
According to the agency, Kim Seon Ho established the corporation in January 2024 with the purpose of acting activities and theatrical production. Until February 2025, when he signed a new exclusive contract with Fantagio, he received settlements for his activities through this corporation.
However, Fantagio explained, “Kim Seon Ho recognized that operating the corporation could cause misunderstandings and subsequently stopped its operation,” adding, “No substantial activities through the corporation have taken place for over a year.”
Fantagio also clearly distinguished their contract with Kim Seon Ho. “Since signing the exclusive contract in February 2025, all settlements have been paid directly to the actor personally,” the agency emphasized, “and the contract process and activities between Fantagio and Kim Seon Ho have no relation to the corporation.”
Regarding the corporation’s closure, they stated, “Kim Seon Ho took preemptive measures to correct his insufficient understanding of corporate management at the time, returning past corporate card usage, family salaries, and company vehicles.” Additionally, “For the amounts settled through the corporation, he has paid additional personal income tax beyond the corporate tax already paid, and the corporate closure process is currently underway, with administrative procedures expected to conclude soon.”
Kim Seon Ho has also expressed remorse for his ignorance, saying, “I deeply regret establishing and maintaining the corporation for about a year without sufficient understanding of corporate operations,” and sincerely apologized, “I bow my head and apologize.”
Fantagio also apologized for causing confusion and concern and said, “We will strive to manage the activities of our artists more meticulously in the future.”
This stance from Fantagio is completely different from their response to actor Cha Eunwoo, who recently was notified by the National Tax Service of a tax bill amounting to approximately ₩20.0 billion KRW (about $13.8 million USD).
Fantagio explained, “The main issue is whether the corporation established by Cha Eunwoo’s mother qualifies as a subject of substantial taxation. This matter has not been finalized or officially notified, and we will actively present our case through proper legal procedures concerning the interpretation and application of the law.”
Later, Cha Eunwoo personally stated, “I will sincerely comply with the ongoing tax procedures and humbly accept the final judgment from the relevant authorities, taking full responsibility accordingly. I will reflect on myself more strictly going forward and live with a greater sense of responsibility to repay the love I have received. I sincerely apologize once again for causing concern.”
As the controversy grew, Fantagio issued a second statement saying, “The current issues are under verification by tax authorities according to procedures. The agency and artist are faithfully cooperating within their capacities. When legal and administrative decisions become clear, we will responsibly take necessary actions based on the results. However, we earnestly request that indiscriminate speculation, unverified information dissemination, and excessive interpretation of allegations be refrained from.”
Fantagio’s acceptance of Kim Seon Ho’s tax evasion and their firm intention to clarify Cha Eunwoo’s tax evasion allegations have drawn attention, highlighting their diametrically opposite responses to the same risk.
