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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] South Korean actor Kim Seon-ho is facing growing controversy as allegations emerge that he received settlement payments through a family-run company to reduce tax liabilities, prompting early signs of withdrawal by advertisers.
On February 3, fashion brand Beanpole switched a teaser video for its 2026 Spring Collection featuring Kim to private on its official social media accounts. The brand had initially planned to release the full campaign video the same day but did not proceed with the upload.
Kim has been accused of attempting to evade taxes by channeling income through a corporation registered at his residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. His parents were reportedly listed as internal director and auditor of the company. While personal income in South Korea is subject to a top marginal tax rate of 49.5%, corporate income is taxed at a maximum rate of 19%, raising suspicions that the structure was designed to minimize tax obligations.
Investigators have also identified indications that salaries were paid to Kim’s parents through the company, with funds allegedly transferred back to Kim, further intensifying scrutiny.
The case has drawn comparisons to allegations involving Cha Eun-woo, a member of ASTRO and Kim’s former agency colleague. Cha is reportedly under investigation after receiving corporate tax treatment through a company registered under his mother’s name and was notified last year by the Seoul Regional Tax Office of an additional KRW 20 billion in income tax assessments.
Kim is also facing allegations of breach of trust and embezzlement. Reports claim that his parents used the company’s corporate credit card for personal living and entertainment expenses, and that vehicles were registered under the company’s name for non-business use.
In addition, the company allegedly failed to register as a licensed popular culture and arts management business, which could expose it to potential criminal liability.
Kim ended his exclusive contract with Salt Entertainment, which he had been with since 2018, and moved to Fantagio last year.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
