Cha Eunwoo and Kim Seon Ho: Comparable Tax Evasion Cases, Divergent Reactions
Kim Seon Ho faces tax evasion controversy as his agency Fantagio clears the air. The actor set up a single-person corporation in January 2024 for his acting and theater work. He took settlements through it until February 2025, when he signed a new exclusive contract with Fantagio.
Fantagio revealed Kim Seon Ho stopped running the corporation after realizing it might cause misunderstandings. No real business happened there for over a year. Since February 2025, all payments went directly to Kim Seon Ho, separate from the corporation.
The agency added that Kim Seon Ho made corrections. He returned company expenses like card use, family salaries, and vehicles. He also paid extra personal income tax on past earnings from the corporation, beyond the corporate tax already paid. The corporation is now closing with administrative steps wrapping up.
Kim Seon Ho himself expressed regret and apologized.
“I deeply regret establishing and maintaining the corporation for about a year without sufficient understanding of corporate operations. I bow my head and apologize.” – Kim Seon Ho
Fantagio also apologized for causing confusion.
“We will strive to manage the activities of our artists more meticulously in the future.” – Fantagio
This comes amid a similar tax issue for Cha Eunwoo, also under Fantagio. Cha Eunwoo was hit with a ₩20 billion KRW (~$13.8 million USD) tax bill. His agency says the main tax question involves a corporation set up by his mother. The issue is still under review and not finalized.
Fantagio is taking a harder legal stance for Cha Eunwoo, unlike with Kim Seon Ho.
“The main issue is whether the corporation established by Cha Eunwoo’s mother qualifies as a subject of substantial taxation. This matter has not been finalized or officially notified, and we will actively present our case through proper legal procedures concerning the interpretation and application of the law.” – Fantagio
Cha Eunwoo also spoke out personally.
“I will sincerely comply with the ongoing tax procedures and humbly accept the final judgment from the relevant authorities, taking full responsibility accordingly. I will reflect on myself more strictly going forward and live with a greater sense of responsibility to repay the love I have received. I sincerely apologize once again for causing concern.” – Cha Eunwoo
Fantagio asked the public to avoid wild speculation while investigations continue.
“The current issues are under verification by tax authorities according to procedures. The agency and artist are faithfully cooperating within their capacities. When legal and administrative decisions become clear, we will responsibly take necessary actions based on the results. However, we earnestly request that indiscriminate speculation, unverified information dissemination, and excessive interpretation of allegations be refrained from.” – Fantagio
Two Fantagio tax controversies, two very different responses. Kim Seon Ho admits fault, fixes issues, and apologizes. Cha Eunwoo fights the charges with legal help while cooperating.
This split approach is drawing serious attention in the industry.