Actor Kim Seon-ho Addresses Controversy Over Family-Run Corporation

Actor Kim Seon-ho's agency has officially addressed the controversy surrounding his family-run corporation. While he did receive settlements from his former agency through the corporation, it has since ceased operations, and the administrative closure process is nearing completion.

On the 4th, Kim Seon-ho's agency, Fantagio, released an official statement, saying, "We would like to clarify additional facts and our stance regarding the recent reports about Kim Seon-ho's one-man corporation."

Regarding the establishment and operation of the corporation, Fantagio acknowledged that Kim Seon-ho received settlement payments through the 'one-man corporation' from his former agency. Fantagio explained, "Kim Seon-ho established the corporation in January 2024 for acting activities and theater production. He received settlement payments through the corporation for activities from January 2024 until February 2025, before the new contract began." However, Kim Seon-ho recognized that operating the corporation could lead to misunderstandings and subsequently halted its operations, emphasizing that "no substantial activities have been conducted through the corporation for over a year."

Fantagio confirmed that since Kim Seon-ho joined the current agency, there have been no settlements through the corporation. Fantagio stated, "Since the exclusive contract with Kim Seon-ho was signed in February 2025, settlement payments have been made directly to the actor. We clarify that there is no connection between the corporation and the contract process or activities with Fantagio."

The agency also addressed suspicions regarding the use of corporate cards, vehicles, and salary payments to family members. Fantagio explained, "As a proactive measure to rectify the mismanagement of the corporation, Kim Seon-ho returned all corporate card usage records, family salaries, and corporate vehicles. He has also completed additional personal income tax payments on top of the corporate tax previously paid for the amounts settled through the corporation." Additionally, "The process of closing the corporation is underway, and the administrative procedures are expected to be finalized soon."

Fantagio apologized, stating, "Kim Seon-ho deeply regrets establishing and maintaining the corporation for over a year without a full understanding of its operations. He sincerely apologizes." The agency added, "We also apologize for the confusion and concern caused and will ensure more thorough management of our actors' activities in the future."

Kim Seon-ho faced allegations of tax evasion related to the establishment of the one-man corporation and receipt of settlement payments. The corporation was reportedly based at his residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, with family members as executives, and there were allegations of paying his parents substantial monthly salaries and using corporate cards for personal expenses.

Below is the full statement from Kim Seon-ho's agency.

Hello.
This is Fantagio, the agency of actor Kim Seon-ho.

We would like to clarify additional facts and our stance regarding the recent reports about Kim Seon-ho's one-man corporation.

◾️ Establishment and Operation of the Corporation
Kim Seon-ho established the corporation in January 2024 for acting activities and theater production.
He received settlement payments through the corporation for activities from January 2024 until February 2025, before the new contract with Fantagio began.

◾️ Cessation of Corporation Operations
Kim Seon-ho recognized that operating the corporation could lead to misunderstandings and subsequently halted its operations. No substantial activities have been conducted through the corporation for over a year.

◾️ Contract with Fantagio
Since the exclusive contract with Kim Seon-ho was signed in February 2025, settlement payments have been made directly to the actor. We clarify that there is no connection between the corporation and the contract process or activities with Fantagio.

◾️ Corporation Closure Process
As a proactive measure to rectify the mismanagement of the corporation, Kim Seon-ho returned all corporate card usage records, family salaries, and corporate vehicles. He has also completed additional personal income tax payments on top of the corporate tax previously paid for the amounts settled through the corporation. The process of closing the corporation is underway, and the administrative procedures are expected to be finalized soon.

Actor Kim Seon-ho deeply regrets establishing and maintaining the corporation for over a year without a full understanding of its operations. He sincerely apologizes.

We also apologize for the confusion and concern caused and will ensure more thorough management of our actors' activities in the future.

Thank you.
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr