Kim Seon Ho Returns to Beanpole Campaign After 7-Month Tax Controversy

Actor Kim Seon Ho has made a comeback as the face of fashion brand Beanpole's new fall/winter campaign, approximately seven months after a controversy surrounding his one-person agency and tax issues. In February, as the controversy escalated, Beanpole privately delisted Kim Seon Ho's spring collection teaser videos and canceled the release of the full domestic advertisement. Now, his return to the forefront is drawing significant attention from both the public and the industry.

The controversy originated when it was revealed that Kim Seon Ho established a one-person agency at his home address, paid salaries to family members, and used company vehicles and corporate cards. Kim Seon Ho's side stated that it was not for intentional tax avoidance or evasion, and took measures such as returning corporate card usage amounts, family salaries, and company vehicles, and additionally paying personal income tax on past settlements. Furthermore, recognizing that the agency's operation could cause misunderstandings, activities were suspended, and the agency is currently undergoing closure procedures.

The reasons behind Beanpole's decision to re-select Kim Seon Ho include the assessment that risks have been mitigated due to the completion of legal arrangements, strong support from domestic and international fandoms, and the timing ahead of his next project's release. This return is interpreted not just as a star's resumption of advertising activities, but as a complex case involving public perception, corporate value judgment, and the star's accountability regarding the controversy, marking a significant turning point for Kim Seon Ho's future endeavors.