Actor Kim Seon-ho Faces Tax Evasion Allegations Amidst Similar Claims Against Cha Eun-woo

Actor Kim Seon-ho has been embroiled in allegations of operating a family corporation for tax evasion purposes, following similar accusations against singer Cha Eun-woo. Both celebrities are currently represented by the same agency, Fantagio.

On the 1st, Fantagio addressed the tax evasion allegations against Kim Seon-ho, stating, "The one-person corporation was established for theater production and related activities, and it was not set up with the intention of deliberate tax avoidance or evasion." They further clarified, "However, since moving to Fantagio, actual business activities have not been conducted for over a year, and the closure process is currently underway in accordance with relevant laws and procedures."

Earlier on the 1st, a media outlet reported on Kim Seon-ho's tax evasion allegations. According to the report, Kim Seon-ho established a separate corporation in January 2024 at his residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, under the guise of performance planning. Kim Seon-ho served as the CEO of this corporation, with his parents listed as internal directors and auditors.

The media outlet analyzed that this corporation was more akin to a special purpose entity for asset management and income distribution rather than actual business activities. They also raised suspicions of tax evasion and fund misappropriation, citing evidence that salaries were paid to his parents through the corporate account and then returned, and that the corporate card was used for personal expenses and entertainment.

The tax evasion allegations against Kim Seon-ho have garnered attention, especially since he shares the same agency as Cha Eun-woo, who was previously notified of a 20 billion won tax penalty. While it cannot be conclusively attributed to the agency's responsibility, the recurrence of similar tax issues raises questions about whether it is merely a coincidence.

Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr