Brands Maintain Kim Seon-ho's Endorsements Amidst Tax Evasion Allegations

Amid allegations of tax evasion against actor Kim Seon-ho, health supplement brand Nutri D-Day and cosmetics brand Imelly continue to feature him in their advertisements.

As of the 4th, both Nutri D-Day and Imelly's official websites prominently display Kim Seon-ho's images on their main and product detail pages. No adjustments or removals have been made regarding his presence.

Their official social media channels remain unchanged as well. Videos featuring Kim Seon-ho are still available on Nutri D-Day and Imelly's YouTube channels, with no comments disabled or videos set to private. Both brands have yet to release an official statement on the matter.

In contrast, fashion brand Beanpole has made the '2026 Spring Collection Teaser Video' featuring Kim Seon-ho private following the tax evasion allegations. While the exact reason for the video's removal hasn't been officially disclosed, it is believed to be related to the allegations. The industry is closely monitoring the situation as brands respond differently.

Meanwhile, on the 4th, Kim Seon-ho expressed his regret through his agency, Fantagio, stating, "I deeply reflect on establishing and maintaining the corporation without a full understanding of corporate operations. I sincerely apologize."

Previously, on the 1st, a media outlet reported that Kim Seon-ho established a separate corporation in January 2024 at his residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, under the pretext of performance planning, with himself as CEO and his parents as board members. The report suggested the corporation was more for asset management and income distribution rather than actual business activities, with allegations of personal use of corporate accounts and cards.

In response, Kim Seon-ho's agency, Fantagio, stated, "The one-person corporation was established for theater production and related activities, not for intentional tax avoidance or evasion. Actual business activities ceased over a year ago, and the corporation is currently undergoing closure procedures."

Additionally, controversy arose when it was revealed that Kim Seon-ho received entertainment activity settlements through a family corporation, SH2, during his time with his former agency. His former agency clarified, "We only deposited the settlement to the account requested by the actor."

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