On February 4, Kim Seon Ho’s agency Fantagio released a follow-up statement regarding ongoing suspicions surrounding tax avoidance and the operation of a one-person corporation. The agency had previously explained that the corporation was established solely for theater production and acting-related activities, emphasizing that it was never intended for deliberate tax reduction or evasion. Fantagio also noted that after Kim transferred to the agency, the corporation ceased actual business operations over a year ago and is currently undergoing official closure procedures.
In its second statement, Fantagio broke down the situation into four key points: the establishment and operation of the corporation, the suspension of its activities, Kim’s exclusive contract with Fantagio, and the process of dissolving the corporation. According to the agency, Kim founded the corporation in January 2024 for acting and theater production purposes, and settlements for activities prior to his February 2025 contract with Fantagio were paid through the corporation.
Fantagio stated that once Kim became aware that the corporation’s structure could lead to misunderstandings, he halted its operation. For over a year, no substantive activities were conducted through the entity. After signing an exclusive contract with Fantagio in February 2025, all earnings have since been settled directly to Kim as an individual. The agency stressed that the corporation has no connection whatsoever to Kim’s current contract or activities under Fantagio.
As part of corrective measures, Kim reportedly returned all corporate assets, including corporate card usage, family salary payments, and corporate vehicles. In addition, he refiled income previously received through the corporation and paid additional personal income taxes on top of the corporate taxes already submitted. The corporate is now in the final stages of dissolution.
Despite the lengthy explanation and apology, damage to Kim’s public image appears unavoidable and the advertising industry, where reputation is paramount, seems to be reacting first. Fashion brand Beanpole has reportedly deleted its teaser video for the 2026 Spring Collection featuring Kim from official social media channels. The video has also been removed from YouTube, now accessible only via a private link, signaling a clear shift in stance.
Meanwhile, OSEN reported that skincare brand La Roche-Posay appears to be approaching the end of its contract with Kim Seon Ho. The brand initially selected him as a model in February 2021 but temporarily took down related advertisements during his past personal-life controversy. Those ads were later restored, only to be made private again following the recent tax-related apology. While the exact reason for the renewed removal has not been disclosed, the decision suggests the seriousness with which the situation is being viewed.
Notably, La Roche-Posay was among the brands that once severed ties with Kim before resuming collaboration, making its latest move particularly symbolic. The repeated withdrawal underscores lingering sensitivity around his public image and the limited tolerance advertisers may have for renewed controversy.
Despite these developments, Kim Seon Ho continues to move forward with upcoming projects, including TVING’s Unfriend, Disney+’s Portraits of Delusion, and tvN’s May the Congressman Protect Us. Whether his carefully worded apology can restore confidence among advertisers remains to be seen, but early signs suggest that the real test is unfolding not in statements, but in brand decisions.
Sources: Naver