On February 4, YouTube Entertainment channel president Lee Jin-ho posted a video saying: “It is difficult to believe that these statements come from the same agency, as the content and intensity are completely different.” Even the title of the video highlights the contrast: “Did Fantagio cut ties with Cha Eun-woo? Why was the agency’s statement so different for Kim Seon-ho.”
Lee Jin-ho pointed out two main reasons behind the expansion of the Kim Seon-ho controversy. He explained, “The fact that Kim Seon-ho is a Fantagio actor and that he founded a single-member company under his personal name has turned the matter into a charge of tax evasion.”
The key issue centers on Kim Seon-ho’s personal company founded in January 2024. Lee said: “Through this company, salaries were paid to his parents and there are allegations that company cards were used not only for living expenses but also for entertainment expenses.” He added, “There was also talk of payments for cigarettes and karaoke bars.” He continued, “If these claims are true, the suspicion naturally arises that income subject to a personal income tax rate of up to 49.5% may have been treated at a corporation tax rate of around 22%.”
Lee also said that as the controversy spread, some advertisers changed advertisements featuring Kim Seon-ho to private mode. He analyzed, “With public opinion rapidly worsening, the agency likely found it difficult to continue to remain silent.”
In response, Fantagio released an official statement on February 4 providing detailed explanations regarding Kim Seon-ho’s personal company. Lee commented: “What is striking is the precision with which they explained everything, from the moment the company was founded to the suspension of its activities and the payment of taxes.”
According to Fantagio, Kim Seon-ho founded the company for acting and theater production business, but later suspended operations after recognizing that it could lead to misunderstandings. The agency said all uses of company cards, family salaries and company vehicles were returned and that, in addition to previously paid business taxes, Kim paid additional personal income taxes. The company is currently undergoing formal closure procedures.
Lee highlighted the crucial difference from Cha Eun-woo’s case, saying: “The statement regarding Cha Eun-woo stopped at the general explanation that ‘the matter is under investigation by the tax authorities.'” Instead, he said Fantagio directly explained the details of Kim Seon-ho’s case, giving the impression that the agency was emphasizing that the nature of the situation was different. He added, “By stating that all of Kim Seon-ho’s compensation payments since February 2025 are paid directly to him as an individual, Fantagio demonstrates that he is aware of which parts could be problematic.”
Lee also analyzed, “Cha Eun-woo is currently serving in the army and is on a career break, while Kim Seon-ho has several major upcoming projects awaiting release,” adding that “From the agency’s perspective, a more proactive response was probably inevitable.”
Sources: Naver
