Fantagio, the agency that represents ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo, has formally welcomed actor Kim Seon Ho. Fans are divided, meanwhile, on claims of his recruiting price, which is reportedly close to $1.4 million. Many believe the move is related to Cha Eun Woo’s upcoming military enrollment.

According to a March 6 story by Korean media site OSEN, Kim Seon Ho received a hefty signing bonus when he moved to Fantagio. The investment has sparked rumors that he would be filling in for Cha Eun Woo after the ASTRO member enlists, but the agency has not verified the precise amount.

“It is difficult to confirm details related to the contract, including the signing bonus,” Fantagio said in response to questions about the signing bonus. We kindly request your understanding.

Online, the announcement has sparked intense emotions, with some fans blaming the agency for what they see as a reckless financial decision. While some internet users criticized the choice as “wasting money,” others contrasted Kim Seon Ho’s and Cha Eun Woo’s commercial worth, implying that the former may not bring in as much money.

According to industry sources, Fantagio’s choice was also impacted by the possibility of Cha Eun Woo joining in 2025. Many people anticipate that Cha Eun Woo will enroll in the military, since some of his fellow 1997-born celebrities, such as Jungkook of BTS and Jaehyun of NCT, have already done so, while Yugyeom of GOT7 has hinted at his impending enlistment.

Kim Seon Ho allegedly had talks with Song Joong Ki’s home studio, High Zium Studio, prior to signing with Fantagio. But his ultimate choice could have been influenced by Fantagio’s generous offer. The agency “saved Song Joong Ki from another bad investment,” according to some snarky fans’ comments. Some even suggested that investors get out of Fantagio because they thought the company was “throwing away the money Cha Eun Woo made.”