Kim Seon Ho Joins Fantagio With A Billion-Won Deal, Internet Is Divided

Last Updated:March 08, 2025, 15:29 IST

The South Korean actor has officially joined Fantagio, securing an exclusive contract that reportedly includes a staggering 2 billion KRW (approximately Rs 12 crore) as a signing bonus.

Fans think Fantagio is attempting to fill the looming void left by ASTRO member and actor Cha Eun Woo. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Kim Seon Ho has made headlines once again and this time, not for a drama role but for an eye-watering contract deal. The South Korean actor has officially joined Fantagio, securing an exclusive contract that reportedly includes a staggering 2 billion KRW (approximately Rs 12 crores) as a signing bonus. While such deals were once common in the industry, signing bonuses have largely faded into obscurity, making this particular agreement a hot topic of discussion. Fans and industry insiders alike are questioning what led Fantagio to offer such a hefty sum, with many speculating about the agency’s underlying motives.

According to reports from Korean media, this isn’t just a generous welcome gift. Industry insiders suggest that Fantagio is making a strategic play, attempting to fill the looming void left by ASTRO member and actor Cha Eun Woo. With his mandatory military enlistment on the horizon, the agency seems to be preparing for a shift in its roster of star power.

Then, on March 6, Sports Chosun reported that Kim Seon Ho had chosen Fantagio over Song Joong Ki’s agency, primarily due to the lump sum signing fee that was on the table.

As per industry sources, Fantagio shelled out the hefty contract fee to secure Kim Seon Ho, hoping he would take the lead among their actors once Cha Eun Woo enlists. According to Allkpop, insiders claim the move is part of Fantagio’s strategy to “prepare for singer/actor Cha Eun Woo’s vacancy upon his enlistment for mandatory military service.”

The reported contract details have sparked fierce debate online. Some are questioning whether Kim Seon Ho truly warrants such an investment, especially given the controversy that nearly derailed his career following the success of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha in 2021.

One user, as quoted by allkpop, asked, “2 billion?? Is he seriously worth that much??” Another took a harsher stance, commenting, “Wow, am I literally witnessing this dumb company throwing away the money that Cha Eun Woo made in the trash?”

“A replacement for Cha Eun Woo???? I’m sorry, what?????” another incredulous user wrote. A different K-netizen dismissed the deal entirely, stating, “This guy is not going to make even a fraction of what Cha Eun Woo makes lol.”

Kim Seon Ho’s rise to fame took a nosedive when an alleged ex-girlfriend accused him of pressuring her into an abortion. The controversy erupted just as Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha was riding high in popularity. Although the actor issued an apology, he largely disappeared from the public eye in the aftermath.

However, his comeback is now officially in motion. Kim Seon Ho is gearing up to return to the screen with Netflix’s upcoming drama Can This Love Be Translated? Whether this new chapter in his career will justify Fantagio’s bold investment remains to be seen.