Kim Seon Ho’s agency responds to tax evasion allegations, but questions remain

Actor Kim Seon Ho’s agency Fantagio has issued an official statement addressing allegations of tax evasion involving a one-man corporation, but the explanation has left several questions unanswered.

Fantagio stated that Kim Seon Ho is currently active under an exclusive contract signed personally with the agency and that all related legal and tax procedures are being followed in good faith. The agency emphasized that there are no legal or tax issues concerning Kim’s current contract or activities.

Regarding the corporation at the center of the controversy, Fantagio explained that it was established solely for theater production and related activities and was never intended for tax avoidance or evasion. The agency added that after Kim transferred to Fantagio, the company ceased actual business operations over a year ago and is now in the process of being officially dissolved in accordance with legal procedures.

Earlier the same day, Kim established a separate performance planning corporation in January 2024 under the address of his residence in Yongsan, Seoul. The company reportedly operated as a family-run entity, with Kim serving as CEO while his parents were registered as an internal director and auditor.

The core of the allegations centers on suspicious financial transactions and the alleged private use of corporate funds. Reports claim that Kim paid his parents tens of millions of won in monthly salaries through corporate funds, which were then allegedly transferred back into his personal account. Records also reportedly show the use of a corporate credit card by Kim’s father at entertainment establishments and for personal expenses such as cigarette purchases.

The timing of the corporation’s establishment has also drawn attention, as Kim was still under contract with his former agency, Salt Entertainment, at the time. Kim ended his six-year contract with Salt Entertainment in February 2025 and signed with Fantagio the following month. Rumors later surfaced that Kim received a signing bonus of approximately 2 billion KRW (approx 1.5 million USD), though Fantagio declined to comment, citing confidentiality.

While Fantagio has firmly denied any wrongdoing in Kim’s current contractual and tax matters and stated that the former corporation was not created for tax evasion, critics note that the agency did not directly address allegations involving parental salaries, fund transfers, or the private use of corporate credit cards. As scrutiny continues, further clarification may be required should additional details emerge.