Actor Kim Seon-ho immediately apologized and clarified the tax evasion allegations surrounding his one-person corporation, but the advertising industry's response has been lukewarm. Brands that previously supported him during past personal controversies have also begun to erase all traces of him, causing the fallout to spread.
His agency, Fantagio, stated that the corporation was established for theater production and that there was no intentional tax evasion. Kim Seon-ho's side revealed that they have already suspended corporate activities and are in the process of closing the business to eliminate any misunderstandings.
In particular, Kim Seon-ho took proactive measures by returning corporate card statements and vehicles, as well as making additional personal income tax payments. The agency emphasized, "Currently, all settlements are paid to the individual and are unrelated to the corporation," as they attempted to mitigate the situation.
However, the advertising industry reacted immediately. Beanpole switched its teaser video for the 2026 Spring Collection to private, erasing all traces of Kim Seon-ho, the main model. This was a drastic measure to exclude the model from the eagerly prepared new season promotional materials.
The departure of La Roche-Posay, which had stood by him during the 2021 controversy, is even more painful. Even the brand that resumed advertising at that time has now made its videos private right after the tax evasion allegations. The repeated 'cut-off' movement after five years is interpreted as a decision made out of concern for brand value damage.
This unfortunate incident has occurred just as Kim Seon-ho is set to unveil multiple upcoming projects such as 'The Tyrant', 'Unfriend', and 'Bewitched'. Attention is focused on whether Kim Seon-ho can turn public opinion around once again with sincere actions and make a comeback.
