SEOUL, Feb. 4 (Yonhap) — Actor Kim Seon-ho has paid additional personal income tax and is shutting down a one-person corporation he established, his agency said Wednesday, following allegations that the controversial entity was used to avoid taxes. Learn more about Kim Seon-ho and his tax situation.
The controversy arose after local media recently reported that Kim created the talent agency using his home address in Seoul, with family members listed as executives. This sparked questions about potential tax implications.
Reports suggested Kim received earnings for his entertainment activities through the firm during a previous management contract, prompting speculation that the company was intended to reduce his tax burden. Find out more about the allegations surrounding Kim Seon-ho’s company.
Actor Kim Seon-ho poses at a press conference for Netflix’s new romantic comedy “Can This Love Be Translated?” in Seoul in this Jan. 13, 2026, file photo. (Yonhap)
Through his current agency, Fantagio, Kim admitted to having an “insufficient understanding” of managing such an entity. The agency said in a statement that the star “deeply reflects” on his decision to establish and maintain the company. Read Fantagio’s statement regarding Kim Seon-ho’s corporation.
Fantagio explained that Kim founded the company in January 2024 and received settlement payments through it until he signed a new contract with the agency under his personal name in February 2025. Details of Kim Seon-ho’s company formation and payment structure are revealed.
Although the agency previously stated the company was created for theater-related work and “was never intended for tax evasion,” it admitted Wednesday that Kim had received payments through the corporation while with his former agency. Fantagio clarifies the purpose of Kim Seon-ho’s company.
Fantagio added that there had been “no effective corporate activity” for more than a year after Kim realized the setup could cause misunderstandings. Kim Seon-ho’s company reportedly ceased operations after concerns arose.
“As a proactive measure, Kim has returned all corporate card expenses, family salaries and the company vehicle,” the agency said. It confirmed that the actor has paid extra personal income tax in addition to the corporate tax already paid and is currently in the process of dissolving the firm. Kim Seon-ho takes steps to rectify the situation by returning assets and paying additional taxes.
Kim has not received a formal notice of any additional tax assessment from authorities, the agency added. No official tax investigation has been launched against Kim Seon-ho.
sshim@yna.co.kr
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