Kim Seon-Ho Announces Asia Fan Meeting Tour Amid Tax Controversy
Kim Seon-Ho's Return with 'Love Factory'
After the success of the Netflix K-drama Can This Love Be Translated?, Kim Seon-Ho is gearing up to engage with his fans through an Asia fan meeting tour named 'Love Factory.' This event marks his first significant overseas appearance in nearly two years and follows a challenging period involving allegations of tax evasion. The actor faced scrutiny over tax fraud allegations shortly after his recent show's success alongside Go Youn-Jung, which sparked mixed reactions online. Nevertheless, his upcoming six-city tour is viewed as a chance for Kim to re-establish his presence in the industry.
Details of the 'Love Factory' Tour
Kim Seon-Ho bringing Love Factory
On February 23, Kim's agency, Fantagio, announced that the 39-year-old actor will commence the tour on April 11 and 12 at the Blue Square Woori WON Banking Hall in Seoul. Following Seoul, he will visit Jakarta on April 25, Kanagawa on May 10, Manila on May 31, Taipei on June 6, and Bangkok on June 20. The tour announcement included an official poster that hinted at potential additional stops with the phrase "and more."
Although Kim interacted with fans during an online meeting in 2021, this tour will be his first in-person fan meeting in two years.
Tax Evasion Allegations Explained
Kim Seon-Ho's tax evasion allegations
This announcement comes shortly after Kim's involvement in an alleged tax avoidance case related to a one-person corporation he operated. Earlier this month, Fantagio clarified that Kim has settled his corporate taxes and completed his personal income tax payments. The corporation in question is reportedly in the final stages of administrative closure, concluding the tax settlement process for the actor. Kim, who will appear next in Portraits of Delusion alongside Bae Suzy, publicly apologized for the distress caused to his fans due to his name being linked to this scandal involving a paper company under his family's name. A statement from Fantagio noted, "Kim Seon Ho is deeply reflecting on the fact that he established and maintained the corporation for about a year while lacking sufficient understanding of how corporate operation works. He sincerely bows his head in apology."
Recent Tax Issues in the Entertainment Industry
Kim's case after Cha Eun-Woo
Kim's situation follows closely behind that of ASTRO member and actor Cha Eun-Woo, who is currently fulfilling his military service. Cha is under investigation by the National Tax Service for allegedly evading taxes amounting to 20 billion KRW (approximately $13.7 million), marking it as the largest tax retroactive charge ever imposed on an individual entertainer in South Korea.