2016–present: Controversies regarding ownership and management
In 2016, Fantagio sold part of its shares to Gold Finance Korea, the Korean branch of JC Group, a Chinese real estate and investment company. In 2017, through a paid-in capital increase, JC Group became the majority shareholder, holding over 50% of the shares. JC Group then dismissed founder and CEO Na Byung-joon and appointed Wei Jie as CEO. The changes triggered significant internal turmoil, with several actors and key staff members leaving the agency.[14][15]
In January 2018, employees formed an emergency response committee and threatened a general strike, protesting what they described as the Chinese majority shareholder's illegal and unusual intervention in management.[16]
In April 2019, CEO Wei Jie was arrested in China on charges of illegal financing and fraud related to JC Group's activities. JC Group faced suspension and eventual bankruptcy. Fantagio issued statements assuring stability for its artists.[17]
Ownership later transitioned: in 2020, Gold Finance Korea sold its stake to L&A Holdings. On February 24, 2021, Mirae ING Co., Ltd. (Mirae I&G) became the largest shareholder and remains the majority owner as of 2026. Mirae ING's chairman and major shareholder, businessman Namgoong Kyun (also linked to Humasis and other firms), has faced separate criticism. As of early 2026, Namgoong Kyun is under investigation by South Korean authorities for tax evasion, with probes extending to multiple companies under his control.
These repeated ownership changes and executive turnover have been cited as contributing to ongoing operational and financial instability at the agency.
Fantagio has also faced criticism regarding artist management and protection. On December 3, 2019, actor Cha In-ha (real name Lee Jae-ho), who was under contract with Fantagio, was found dead at his home at age 27. Police ruled the cause of death a suicide due to depression. Fantagio issued a statement expressing grief and asking the public and media to refrain from speculation.[18]
On April 19, 2023, ASTRO member Moonbin died at age 25. Police stated that he appeared to have taken his own life. Following his death, online communities raised questions about workload and mental health support in the highly competitive K-pop industry. Fantagio denied negligence and announced it would take legal action against the spread of malicious rumors.[19][20]
In April 2025, following a surge in malicious online rumors and defamation against Cha Eun-woo (including accusations related to a tribute song for the late Moonbin), fans organized protests demanding better protection from the agency. On April 21, 2025, fans sent LED protest trucks to Fantagio's headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul, criticizing the agency for allegedly standing by without taking sufficient action against slander despite years of attacks. Additional wreath protests were held on April 23. Fans demanded stronger legal measures and support for the artist's individual activities and long-term growth.[21]
In February 2026, the Korea Exchange (KRX) identified Fantagio as a high-risk entity for potential delisting from KOSDAQ amid tighter delisting rules targeting penny stocks and low market capitalization companies.[22][23]
In late 2025 and early 2026, Fantagio and several of its artists faced scrutiny from the National Tax Service (NTS) regarding family-run corporations and tax invoices. Fantagio itself received an additional tax assessment of approximately ₩8.2 billion for processing tax invoices that authorities viewed as irregular. In relation to artist Cha Eun-woo, the NTS issued a notification of additional taxes and penalties exceeding ₩20 billion related to a company established by his mother, which authorities considered a "paper company". Both the agency and the artist expressed regret, cooperated with authorities, hired major law firms, and settled the additional dues. On April 8, 2026, Fantagio acknowledged the incidents as "a failure of the company's management responsibility" and promised internal reviews and strengthened oversight.[24][25]
Similar allegations emerged in February 2026 regarding a one-person family corporation linked to Kim Seon-ho. Fantagio denied tax evasion, stating the entity was established for theatrical productions, had been inactive, and was in the process of dissolution. Kim Seon-ho issued a public apology; the agency confirmed that all due taxes were paid.[26][27]
