Is Lee Hanee's Agency Branch Just a Gomtang Restaurant? Rep Says "Have Nothing to Say ― Do What You Want"

Actor Lee Hanee (43) is back in the spotlight over fresh questions about real estate and tax issues tied to her private corporation.

On March 8, news program Straight aired an episode titled “One-Person Agencies: Are You Dumb If You Don’t?” spotlighting celebrities who set up personal corporations and invest in property. The team visited a gomtang (beef soup) restaurant in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. According to records, the spot is listed as a branch address of an entertainment agency established by Lee Hanee’s corporation. The producers said they couldn’t find any sign of an agency office in the building ― only a restaurant in operation.

The corporation was founded by Lee Hanee. Its name has since changed. Reports say Lee Hanee’s husband, who is a U.S. national, serves as CEO, while Lee Hanee is a board director. The corporation purchased the building in November 2017 for about 6.45 billion won. Given that the maximum secured amount on the mortgage is around 4.2 billion won, it’s been suggested that roughly more than half of the purchase price ― about 3.5 billion won ― may have been financed with loans. The building’s current market value is estimated at around 12 billion won, nearly doubling over about eight years.

A restaurant staffer told the producers that the place is “indeed related to the agency,” but declined to share specifics. When asked about Lee Hanee’s husband, the staffer said they “know each other and are close.”

The producers also visited the corporation’s registered head-office address. Again, there were no signs or traces of an entertainment agency on site. When asked if there was a channel for real estate-related inquiries, a corporate representative said, “No.” Asked if they could write “no comment,” the representative replied to the effect of, “Do whatever you want.”

Previously, it became known that Lee Hanee was assessed roughly 6 billion won in additional taxes related to her personal corporation. Her side stated, “We paid the full amount assessed, but we do not agree with the tax authority’s interpretation,” adding that they have filed an appeal with the Tax Tribunal.

Her agency also explained that the building was intended to serve as the corporation’s head office and a mixed-use cultural and arts space. However, delays in the title transfer process meant the previous tenant’s lease remained in place. The broadcast, however, pointed out that registry records show the ownership transfer was completed in 2020, raising questions as the restaurant continues to operate there.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)