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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider Lee Yi Kyung's agency responds to tax penalty issue involving one-man company

Lee Yi Kyung's agency responds to tax penalty issue involving one-man company

Published May 14, 2026 01:20 pm
Korean actor Lee Yi Kyung (Instagram)
Korean actor Lee Yi Kyung (Instagram)

Actor Lee Yi Kyung and his agency, SANGYOUNG ENT, released an official statement after reports surfaced about a tax penalty linked to the actor’s one-man agency.

According to reports, South Korea’s National Tax Service conducted an audit and found that the agency may have lowered its tax payments by classifying some of Lee Yi Kyung’s personal income as company earnings. This allegedly allowed the agency to benefit from lower corporate tax rates.

In response, SANGYOUNG ENT apologized for causing concern to fans and clarified that there was no intentional tax evasion.

The agency said Lee Yi Kyung has always followed tax laws since his debut and fully cooperated during the investigation by submitting all necessary documents.

SANGYOUNG ENT explained that the issue came from a difference in interpretation between the company and tax authorities regarding how certain business expenses should be reported.

The agency stated that there was “absolutely no intentional omission of income or dishonest tax evasion.”

Despite this, the company said it respects the findings of the National Tax Service and will pay the penalty tax according to legal procedures.

The agency also promised to improve its tax and accounting management system to prevent similar issues in the future.

In recent years, South Korea’s entertainment industry has seen several celebrities face additional tax charges connected to the management of their one-man agencies.

Because of the growing controversy, the Korea Management Federation reportedly called for improvements in regulations last February, particularly regarding tax management and corporate practices used by celebrities and their agencies.

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Lee Yi Kyung SANGYOUNG ENT Tax Penalty
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