Premium

Yoo Yeon Seok hit with $5.3 million tax evasion inquiry, new K-drama slammed; agency responds

Yoo Yeon Seok’s upcoming SBS drama Shin Yi Rang’s Law Firm is facing backlash as fans slam his casting as a lawyer after the actor was penalised by the Korean National Tax Service over allegations of tax evasion.

penalised by the Korean National Tax Service over allegations of tax evasion.

When the Phone Rings actor Yoo Yeon Seok is now under the scanner for allegedly evading taxes. According to Nocut News, the Hospital Playlist star was recently penalised by the Korean National Tax Service over allegations of tax evasion. Yoo Yeon Seok’s agency, King Kong by Starship, has since responded to the report. Amid these allegations, Yoo Yeon Seok’s upcoming SBS drama is facing growing public backlash. The timing couldn’t be worse, with public sentiment already sour following the ongoing dating scandal involving Kim Soo Hyun and late actor Kim Sae Ron.

Yoo Yeon Seok slapped with 7 Billion KRW tax bill

On March 14, Nocut News reported that Yoo Yeon Seok’s agency, Forever Entertainment, was recently hit with a hefty tax audit. Following the investigation, the National Tax Service (NTS) reportedly slapped him with a 7 billion KRW ($5.3 million) bill, which also includes unpaid income taxes. Reports also claim the NTS found additional issues tied to Yoo Yeon Seok’s one-man entertainment company, where he serves as CEO, particularly around payment-related matters during its setup. If confirmed, this would rank as one of the largest penalties ever imposed on a Korean celebrity.

Also read: The Interest of Love review: Yoo Seon-seok and Moon Ga-Young twist the knife as they dissect romance in this heavy tale of broken souls

Story continues below this ad

In response, his current agency, King Kong by Starship, issued a statement clarifying that the Dr Romantic star has already filed for a review of the decision, and is waiting for an official response from the NTS. Yoo Yeon Seok, who shot to global fame in 2024 after starring in one of Netflix’s biggest K-drama hits, is now pushing back on the allegations. King Kong by Starship explained that the additional tax bill likely comes from a “difference in calculation.”

“This issue arose due to differences in the interpretation and application of tax laws between the tax agent and the tax authorities,” the agency said in a statement (via Allkpop). “Currently, we are at the stage of awaiting notification from the authorities following a pre-tax review.” They added, “Yoo Yeon Seok has always prioritized fulfilling his tax obligations diligently and will continue to comply with relevant laws and procedures as a responsible citizen.”

Yoo Yeon Seok’s new K-Drama slammed by fans

Yoo Yeon Seok has been confirmed to lead the upcoming SBS K-drama Shin Yi Rang’s Law Firm (official English title still under wraps). The story reportedly follows a lawyer who can see spirits, with director Shin Jung Hoon set to helm the project. What was once shaping up to be one of Yoo Yeon Seok’s most anticipated roles in 2025 is now garnering negative attention. Fans are flooding social media with criticism, slamming both the actor and his role.

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.

Pragya Singh Thakur and Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit

2008 Malegaon bomb blast: 7 accused, including Pragya Thakur and Col Purohit, acquitted

Cities4 hr ago

A special court in Mumbai acquitted all seven accused in the case, including former BJP MP Pragya Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit, Thursday, nearly 17 years after a powerful bomb blast in Maharashtra’s Malegaon killed six people and injured more than a hundred.

View all shorts

More Entertainment

Entertainment National Award-winning actor became an auto rickshaw driver after film industry dreams shattered, was first spotted living on streets of Mumbai