Kim Seon Ho’s Agency Responds to Tax Controversy

Fantagio has spoken out about the controversy involving actor Kim Seon Ho and the settlement money he received through a one-man corporation, SH Do.

On February 3, the agency told Star News that it is true that the 39-year-old actor temporarily received settlement payments after establishing the corporation in January 2024.

At the time the corporation was created, he was still signed to Salt Entertainment. His exclusive contract with Salt Entertainment expired in February 2024. Kim Seon Ho later transferred to Fantagio in March 2024 and officially signed an exclusive contract with the company last year.

Fantagio explained that the settlement payment was made before his move to the company and suggested that the responsibility lies with the former agency. According to reports, Salt Entertainment stated that it simply deposited the settlement money into the account location the Start-Up actor personally requested.

In an additional statement released, Fantagio said that since Kim Seon Ho’s transfer to the company. They stated that the actual business activities of the one-man corporation have ceased for about a year. The agency added that the company is currently being shut down in accordance with relevant laws and procedures. Fantagio stated that business activity stopped after Kim Seon Ho joined Fantagio in 2025.

Despite this explanation, suspicions surrounding possible tax evasion have not been resolved. Kim Seon Ho is suspected of establishing a performance planning company using his home in Yongsan-gu, Seoul as its registered address. He reportedly listed himself as CEO, while appointing his parents as inside director and an auditor. 

Reports allege that Kim Seon Ho’s parents received monthly salaries ranging from several million to tens of millions of won through the corporate account. In addition, the corporate credit card was allegedly used for personal living and entertainment expenses. These reportedly included purchases such as cigarettes, karaoke expenses, and even costs related to registering a Genesis GV80 vehicle under his father’s name.

Attorney and accountant Kim Myeong Gyu pointed out on social media that if there was no business activity, there should have been no business expenses. He explained that paying salaries and using a corporate card during a period of inactivity would be considered unrelated expenses under tax law. 

He added that such expenses could be classified as unpaid wages. He said Fantagio’s explanation opened the possibility of embezzlement and breach of trust. This would involve corporate funds being used for personal purposes.

Tax experts have also pointed out the issue of tax rate differences. Personal income in Korea can be taxed at rates of up to 49.5 percent, while corporate income is subject to a maximum tax rate of 19 percent.

Fellow Fantagio actor Cha Eunwoo is facing similar tax evasion allegations. Cha is currently under investigation for a separate alleged tax evasion case involving approximately ₩20 billion. Fantagio itself reportedly received an additional tax bill of ₩8.20 billion in connection with Cha Eunwoo’s case.

Fantagio’s statements have not calmed the controversy. The National Tax Service is expected to examine whether the corporation’s expenses were legitimate business costs or personal expenditures