Kim Seon Ho Faces Tax Evasion Allegations as Agency Issues Strong Denial
South Korean actor Kim Seon Ho has become embroiled in a fresh controversy involving tax-related accusations, prompting his management agency to swiftly issue a formal statement refuting any misconduct. On February 1, 2026, media outlets reported that the popular star might have engaged in tax evasion through the operation of a one-person corporation with family members listed in key positions.
Details of the Allegations and Corporate Structure
The reports centered on a company reportedly established by Kim Seon Ho in January 2024. This corporation listed his parents as the internal director and auditor, while using his residential address in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, as the official business location. Allegations suggested this setup could potentially reduce personal tax liabilities and raised questions about possible misuse of corporate funds for personal expenses. However, it is important to note that no official charges have been filed by tax authorities at this stage.
Fantagio's Official Statement and Clarifications
In response, Kim Seon Ho's agency, Fantagio, released a comprehensive statement to address the growing concerns. The agency emphasized that the actor currently conducts all his professional activities under an exclusive personal contract with Fantagio and fully complies with all legal and tax obligations. They stated there are "absolutely no issues whatsoever" related to his contract or professional engagements with the agency.
Fantagio explained that the one-person corporation in question was established solely for theater production and theater-related work, with no intention of tax avoidance or evasion. According to their statement, "The one-person corporation mentioned in the reports was established in the past solely for the purpose of theater production and theater-related activities, and it was never created with any intention of tax avoidance or tax evasion."
The agency further clarified that after Kim Seon Ho transferred to Fantagio, actual business operations under this corporation ceased approximately one year ago, and the company is currently in the process of being officially dissolved in accordance with relevant laws and procedures.
Comparison with Cha Eun-woo's Tax Controversy
The timing of these allegations has drawn particular attention due to similar tax issues involving another Fantagio artist, Cha Eun-woo. In that case, the Seoul Regional Tax Office reportedly assessed approximately 20 billion won in additional income tax, with allegations that his one-person agency was used to shift income into lower corporate tax brackets—issues that can sometimes be treated as tax evasion if authorities conclude the company lacks genuine business substance.
However, Fantagio has explicitly rejected any direct comparison between Kim Seon Ho's situation and Cha Eun-woo's tax matters. The agency noted that Kim's company never entered into payment arrangements with Fantagio and that his entertainment activities are fully personal and compliant with tax rules. They stressed there has been no payment contract with Kim's one-person agency since he joined Fantagio.
Unverified Claims and Industry Context
Some media reports highlighted specific unverified claims, including payments to family members from the corporation's accounts or private use of corporate credit cards. These details remain allegations that have not been confirmed by tax authorities. Fantagio's statement insists there was no tax avoidance purpose behind the company's formation and that any misunderstanding arises from reporting rather than documented legal findings.
Industry observers point out that establishing small companies or personal corporations is not unusual in the entertainment industry, particularly for managing specific project earnings or theater work, as Fantagio noted. Yet this controversy demonstrates how sensitive tax and corporate structures have become in the public eye, especially following high-profile cases like Cha Eun-woo's.
Career Background and Future Implications
Kim Seon Ho, best known for his roles in hit television dramas and films, signed with Fantagio in March 2025 after leaving his previous agency, Salt Entertainment. His career has been marked by strong performances and widespread popularity, but this recent development has drawn attention to the importance of transparency in financial and legal affairs for public figures.
Fantagio has reiterated its commitment to following all legal procedures and preventing misunderstandings that might harm the actor's reputation or career. The agency's statement concludes with a pledge to comply with all relevant laws and ensure that Kim Seon Ho's future projects proceed without controversy.
At present, no formal charges have been reported by tax authorities in Kim Seon Ho's case. The situation remains under public scrutiny, but the agency's clarification appears designed to address concerns quickly and comprehensively while reaffirming the actor's compliance with tax regulations.
