Korean National Tax Service (NTS) has dubbed a netizen's report of Kim Soo Hyun as "valid," which has led to tax evasion suspicions against the South Korean actor being widely discussed.
According to KbiZoom, an online user reported inconsistencies in Kim's account records, leading the Tax Agency of the National Tax Service (NTS) in South Korea to confirm the authenticity of the report on March 30, 2025.
Its status on the report was listed as "유효" (valid) — enough justification for a tax audit or more serious inquiry.
The whistleblower was reported to have found discrepancies between what was drawn as income from Kim's company over the last four years and what was public record in terms of advertising contracts and financial declarations.
Key points raised include:
A falling off of capital trends for corporates and shareholders
There was a large gap between inemas earnings of more than KRW 30 billion from advertising last year and the deficit.
In reference to a 700 million KRW settlement with fellow actor Kim Sae Ron (which has not yet been paid),
These findings were of great concern to the user and contributed to a formal complaint.
The NTS has not publicly stated any particulars on the probe but did mention that an official auditing process could be in motion.
Netizens have had a mixed response to the report.
The whistleblower was praised for investigative efforts with comments that they could be "the bounty hunter" of tax evaders.
Some read the report in relation to recent speculation on Kim's agency, Gold Medalist Entertainment's, possible bankruptcy due to the ongoing scandals.
Should the investigation find Kim Soo Hyun has indeed acted wrongfully, he might be in for a serious world of hurt on both a financial and legal front, given damage limitation or containment would prove virtually impossible here.
The actor recently claimed in a press conference that his finances were not illegal or unethical.
The NTS has not elaborated on the matter; however, it has prompted many questions from fans and industry observers, though the development of the story continues.
