‘Back on stage’ Kim Seon-ho opens up after controversy: ‘On days off, I just lie down all day’
Kim Seon-ho / Captured from Harper's BAZAAR Korea YouTube channel
Actor Kim Seon-ho is drawing attention again — this time for his candid, almost ironic update on life after controversy, as he quietly returns to the stage while keeping an extremely low-key routine off camera.
On Tuesday, a video titled “#Non-face-to-face interview that’s basically a Kim Seon-ho fan video” was uploaded to the YouTube channel of Harper's BAZAAR Korea, featuring the actor reflecting on his recent work and daily life following a photo shoot.
A new experience being openly ‘sexy’
Speaking about his bold pictorial, Kim said it was a rare experience.
“I haven’t really done many shoots where I’m this exposed — wearing nothing under a jacket and going for an openly sexy concept,” he said. “Since I tend to like that kind of style, it felt like something new.”
From Netflix to theater — and total rest at home
Kim said he is now performing in the play "Secret Passage," marking his return to theater after wrapping filming for the Netflix series “Can This Love Be Translated?”
But off stage, his lifestyle couldn’t be more different.
“On my days off, I lie down to the extreme,” he said. “When people ask what I’m doing, I just send them photos of my ceiling from different angles.”
Kim Seon-ho / Captured from Harper's BAZAAR Korea YouTube channel
He added that after juggling filming, theater rehearsals and promotional activities, he only gets a day or two of rest, which he prefers to spend alone, lying down and ordering delivery food.
Reflecting on his role and future goals
Looking back on “Can This Love Be Translated?,” Kim said his character focused on reacting to others.
“He’s a character who listens carefully and reacts,” he said. “By observing the other actor’s habits and behavior, I tried to build consistent expressions and details. It was a happy and enjoyable experience.”
Kim Seon-ho / Captured from Harper's BAZAAR Korea YouTube channel
When asked about roles he hopes to try next, Kim pointed to grounded, everyday storytelling.
“I’d like to play an ordinary resident in a busy neighborhood — just one episode in a story about everyday life,” he said.
He also noted that while projects like “The Childe” and “The Tyrant” explored the space between fantasy and reality, he has yet to take on a traditional noir role.
“I realized I haven’t done a classic noir yet. If I get the chance, I’d like to try it,” he said.
First major appearance since tax controversy draws attention
The interview is gaining particular attention as it marks Kim’s first major public appearance since he became embroiled in tax evasion allegations earlier this year.
The controversy stemmed from claims that he avoided taxes by setting up a shell company. In response, his agency Fantagio said Kim established the corporation in January 2024 for acting and theater production purposes.
The agency said the company is currently being shut down, adding that operations were halted after recognizing that the structure could lead to misunderstandings.
Kim resumed social media activity after addressing the allegations, further fueling online buzz around his return.
Fan meetings signal full comeback
Following his return to the stage through “Secret Passage,” Kim is set to meet fans across Asia, with a fan meeting tour scheduled to begin in Seoul in April and expand to six cities.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.