Kim Seon-ho Faces Tax Evasion Allegations as Attention Turns to His Upcoming Projects

Actor Kim Seon-ho is facing renewed public scrutiny after tax evasion allegations surfaced, prompting industry watchers and fans alike to closely monitor how the controversy may affect his already announced slate of upcoming projects.

A Busy Lineup Across Platforms

Kim is currently attached to three major productions across multiple platforms: the TVING original series ‘Unfriend’, tvN’s ‘The Assemblyman, Please Watch Over Us’, and Disney+’s period mystery drama ‘Bewitched’. Each project represents a significant step in his career trajectory following his return to leading roles.

‘Unfriend’ is a mystery thriller based on the Hong Kong novel ‘Neti Ren’, directed by Kim Jee-woon, known for acclaimed films such as ‘I Saw the Devil’ and ‘The Age of Shadows’. The project has drawn early attention for its genre pedigree and creative team.

Meanwhile, ‘The Assemblyman, Please Watch Over Us’ is a remake of a popular web novel, in which Kim portrays Cha Jae-rim, a former Level 9 civil servant who rises to become a principled politician. The series is particularly notable as Kim’s first terrestrial TV drama in five years, following ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’.

His Disney+ project ‘Bewitched’ is set in 1935 Gyeongseong and follows a painter who becomes entangled in the secrets surrounding a mysterious woman whose portrait he is commissioned to create. Kim stars opposite Bae Suzy, with director Han Jae-rim (‘The Face Reader,’ ‘Emergency Declaration’) at the helm.

Industry Sensitivity to Off-Screen Controversies

The situation has drawn added attention due to Disney+’s recent decision to postpone the release of ‘Knock-Off’, starring Kim Soo-hyun, following unrelated external controversies. As a result, questions have emerged about how streaming platforms may respond to ongoing non-production-related issues involving lead actors.

Kim Seon-ho had been regaining momentum in recent years. After a personal controversy in 2021, he returned in 2023 with the film ‘The Childe’, followed by a supporting role in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’. His popularity further rebounded with Netflix’s ‘Can This Love Be Translated?’, released on January 16, where he once again took on a leading role.

Allegations and Agency Response

The current controversy stems from reports published on February 1, alleging that Kim operated a one-person corporation separate from his agency and that the entity functioned as a paper company used for improper tax reduction. Claims also suggested that personal expenses were paid using the corporation’s funds.

In response, Kim’s agency Fantagio issued a statement denying any intentional tax evasion. The company stated that Kim is currently under an exclusive contract with Fantagio and that all contractual, legal, and tax-related procedures are being followed in compliance with regulations.

Fantagio further explained that the one-person corporation mentioned in the reports was established for theater production and related activities, not for the purpose of tax avoidance. According to the agency, business operations under that entity effectively ceased over a year ago following Kim’s transfer to Fantagio, and formal closure procedures are now underway in accordance with the law.

The agency emphasized its commitment to transparency, adding that it will continue to ensure all activities proceed in line with legal requirements and that Kim’s career can continue without unnecessary misunderstanding.

What Comes Next

As investigations and public discussion continue, attention remains focused on whether the allegations will have a tangible impact on Kim Seon-ho’s scheduled projects. For now, production plans have not been officially altered, but the situation highlights the increasingly delicate balance between on-screen success and off-screen accountability in today’s entertainment industry.