The first half of 2026 was more eventful than ever in the Korean entertainment industry. From alleged crimes falsely fabricated by AI to repeated tax evasion controversies involving major celebrities, various accidents betrayed public trust and heated up the entertainment scene.
Among these top issues, ZAPZEE has gathered the top five headlines that garnered significant attention throughout the first half of 2026 based on overall popularity, impact, and public reaction. See which scandals topped everyone’s newsfeed and if you can guess which ones were the most outrageous this year.
The Celebrity Tax Evasion Controversy
Beloved ASTRO member and Cha Eun Woo, alongside Kim Seon Ho, Yoo Yeon Seok, and more, were all found to be involved in major tax evasion controversies. At the center of the first-half celebrity tax evasion scandal of 2026 was notably Cha Eun Woo. Cha Eun Woo’s case caused a significant stir when it was revealed in January that he had received a tax bill of approximately 20 billion won ($13 million) from the National Tax Service. The NTS determined that tax evasion occurred through ‘Company A,’ established by Cha Eun Woo’s mother. Cha Eun Woo reportedly operated under a structure where his agency Fantagio and Company A entered into a service contract for entertainment activities, with profits divided among Fantagio, the company, and Cha Eun Woo himself.
However, his family reportedly changed the business address and licenses in order to avoid various legal fees, which Cha Eun Woo claimed he was unaware of. The NTS viewed Company A as “inappropriate for performing entertainment management duties, deeming it a ‘paper company’ solely for dispersing income,” when it was revealed to be a seafood restaurant. Cha Eun Woo was alleged to have applied a corporate tax rate lower than the individual income tax rate of 45% and pocketed the remaining funds through a separate family company and Fantagio. Cha Eun Woo did pay all the taxes in the amount of 13 billion won (roughly $8.5 million USD) in April.
In addition to Cha Eun Woo’s predicament, celebrities Kim Seon Ho, Lee Min Ki, Lee Yi Kyung, Yoo Yeon Seok, and Ji Chang Wook were also embroiled in controversy after receiving tax notices ranging from hundreds of billions to tens of billions of won.
Kim Seon Ho, also under Fantagio, faced a tax evasion controversy in February related to his one-person agency. Allegations arose that unclear income processing, such as registering family members as employees and using corporate cards without substantial operational oversight, had ensued. Fantagio responded, “It was due to inexperience in operating a personal agency.” Kim Seon Ho settled the related expenses and paid the assessed taxes. The agency has also since proceeded with its closure.
Ji Chang Wook faced allegations in June of being assessed billions of won in taxes through an unscheduled tax investigation by the NTS. Spring Company explained, “We confirmed a difference in interpretation and application of tax laws with the NTS regarding whether income from the actor’s entertainment activities is attributable to the individual or the corporation under the principle of substance over form.” They emphasized, “Since his debut in 2008, we have always prioritized fulfilling our sincere tax obligations, strictly adhering to relevant laws and procedures without any tax issues.”
These mass tax evasion controversies fueled public outrage because it appeared to be a widespread industry practice rather than just the misconduct of one or two individuals.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Legal Battle over Kim Sae Ron
The Legal Battle between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron’s family has remained a hot topic, especially due to the recent AI fabrication claims against YouTuber Kim Se Eui. Kim Se Eui, through GSI broadcasts and other platforms, continuously made claims suggesting that Kim Soo Hyun was in a relationship with the late Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor and that he was responsible for her death.
Kim Se Eui also held a press conference on behalf of the bereaved family and released audio recordings, claimed to be of the late Kim Sae Ron, and data presented as KakaoTalk conversations between her and Kim Soo Hyun. However, investigative authorities determined that the audio recording released by Kim Se Eui was an AI-generated, manipulated file, and the KakaoTalk conversations between Kim Soo Hyun and the late Kim Sae Ron were also fabricated. Consequently, the police applied charges of violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, defamation, threats, and attempted coercion, and applied for an arrest warrant for Kim Se Eui in May. Kim Se Eui ultimately faced trial while in custody.
Currently, Kim Soo Hyun is involved in a 3.9 billion won (roughly $2.5 million) lawsuit filed by the health supplement company From Bio. Bio filed the lawsuit last May, citing damage to the brand image due to Kim Soo Hyun’s personal life controversy. Kim Soo Hyun’s side has denied liability for damages, stating that the allegations are untrue.
In this situation, Kim Soo Hyun is set to resume his activities starting in July. His agency, Gold Medalist, stated, “Kim Soo Hyun will participate in a print advertisement shoot for the Philippine fashion brand BENCH on July 14th.” Industry attention is focused on whether Kim Soo Hyun can break his hiatus and re-emerge with this advertisement shoot within a short period of the scandal.
BLACKPINK Jisoo’s Brother’s Sex Crimes
Back in April, public attention had shifted toward reports that the brother of a famous girl group member was arrested for the alleged sexual harassment of a female internet streamer. This individual was later identified as Jisoo’s older brother, Kim Jung Hoon, who also faced harrowing allegations from his wife involving domestic violence, sexual assault, confinement and water torture. These reports follow separate reports of illegal filming that emerged last year as well.
Jisoo firmly distanced herself from the situation, stating she has provided no financial or legal support to her brother. She further clarified that her independent agency, BLISSOO, is managed without any involvement from her family members. However, many people began to question this stance after her brother’s name was found in the credits of various professional projects, such as the popular Netflix drama Boyfriend on Demand and the Coupang Play series Newtopia. His name also appeared in the credits for her solo fan meeting.
The Boyfriend on Demand production team addressed the growing backlash by claiming the credit was a clerical error. “Shortly after the work’s release in early March, we confirmed an error in the actor’s management notation in the work’s credits due to a mistake by the production company. We immediately took corrective action.”
This explanation has largely backfired with the public and sparked cold reactions from netizens. Many observers find the “mistake” excuse difficult to believe, with one commenter asking, “Can someone unrelated be listed by mistake?” Others expressed deep skepticism toward the production company’s logic, noting, “Does the production company list the actor’s company representative as they please?” and “How did the production company know even the name of someone who has no relation to Jisoo?”
The ‘Perfect Crown’ Controversy
Stars IU and Byeon Woo Seok were making headlines for their stunning visuals and on-screen chemistry that delighted viewers right from the start. However, as the unique love story progressed, viewers became quite angered with the production and immediately began criticizing the show and its stars.
The controversy arose from Perfect Crown episode 11, which aired on May 15th. The episode depicted a coronation for the King under the show’s fictional premise that 21st-century South Korea is a constitutional monarchy. During Grand Prince Yi An’s (played by Byeon Woo Seok) ascension, government officials repeatedly chanted “Cheonse”—a term historically used for subordinate states—rather than “Manse”, which is used for independent sovereign nations. This led to backlash over historical inaccuracy. The backlash was so intense that the Blu-ray release for the MBC’s drama was officially canceled, and fans received refunds.
While international viewers may not see this as such a big deal, Koreans were outraged to the point that both IU and Byeon Woo Seok offered personal apologies to viewers on their personal SNS. Byeon Woo Seok left a personal handwritten letter saying, “Over the weekend, I was deeply worried that my words might cause further harm. I am sharing this message with a heavy heart to everyone who felt uncomfortable or concerned because of the production. “While filming and acting in this project, I didn’t fully consider the historical context, meaning, or how viewers might perceive it. I took time to reflect on myself after reading the audience’s feedback. I’ve realized once again that as an actor, I need to go beyond just acting and take responsibility for understanding the message and context of the work I’m part of.”
‘Culinary Class Wars‘ Chef Sung Anh’s Restaurant Disaster
Things were quite hectic last April as a controversy arose at Mosu Seoul, a fine-dining restaurant in Itaewon where Culinary Class Wars chef Sung Anh is the owner and head chef. The issue revolved around vintage wine pairing services. One netizen claimed that instead of the 2000 vintage wine that should be served with the ordered dish, a 2005 product about 100,000 won (roughly $65 USD) cheaper was served. In response, the restaurant stated, “We sincerely apologize for the confusion caused by the lack of accurate guidance and for failing to provide sufficient explanations during the service process.” Restaurant-goers felt that the blunder didn’t match the celeb’s stone-cold, strict image and personality presented on TV.
Chef Sung Ahn also apologized again, saying, “As the owner-chef who bears unlimited responsibility for the contributions, I promise to manage everything thoroughly and do my utmost.” However, on the day the apology was published, Sung Ahn’s YouTube channel released videos to the channel that sparked negative public opinion. Eventually, the YouTube production team announced a suspension of uploads, saying they would take time to reorganize and reflect on the channel for the time being. As celebrity marketing expands throughout the food service industry, Korean’s expect service levels befitting brand value and that stars remain responsible when advertised together.
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What do you think of all these major controversies that have happened so far in 2026? Let’s hope the rest of the year is filled with good news instead. Looking for more content with your favorite Korean stars? Watch trending K-Dramas for FREE on Amasian TV.
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