Acclaimed actor and INFINITE member Kim Myung Soo (L) has officially been confirmed to star in the upcoming drama tentatively titled “Empathy Cell” (신이랑 법률사무소).
The news, announced on February 4, 2026, has sparked significant excitement among K-drama enthusiasts who have been eagerly awaiting the versatile actor’s next project.
This series promises a unique exploration of human emotions, blending psychological intrigue with a deep, character-driven romance that seeks to “awaken the empathy cells” of its audience.
A Deep Dive into the Concept: Emotional Transference
“Empathy Cell” is described as an “emotional-transference romance.”
The plot centers on a fascinating psychological premise: the intertwining lives of a woman who has intentionally rejected empathy and a man who is overwhelmed and burdened by it.
As the story unfolds, the two characters find themselves in a supernatural or psychological predicament where they begin to share and experience each other’s raw emotions.
This “shared feeling” mechanic serves as the core conflict and catalyst for the romance.
The drama aims to explore the vulnerabilities of the human psyche, asking whether understanding someone else’s pain and joy so intimately can lead to healing or if it simply adds to the chaos of the heart.
Kim Myung Soo’s Character: The Burden of Feeling
In the series, Kim Myung Soo takes on the role of Cha Eun Hwan, a high-profile psychological counseling expert.
Eun Hwan has built a stellar reputation and massive popularity due to his unconventional and highly effective counseling methods.
However, his professional success hides a heavy personal burden: he possesses a heightened sensitivity that allows him to take on the emotions of those around him.
The calm balance of Eun Hwan’s life is shattered following an “unexpected incident” that breaks down his emotional barriers.
Falling into a state of despair, he encounters a figure from his past, an event that triggers a profound transformation in his life.
Kim Myung Soo is expected to deliver a nuanced performance, portraying the internal struggle of a man who spent his life managing others’ emotions only to lose control over his own.
Production Goals and Anticipation
The production team behind “Empathy Cell” has high hopes for the project, emphasizing its distinctive storytelling.
They stated that the drama’s “unique subject matter and character setup” combined with “detailed psychological and emotional storytelling” will provide a fresh experience for viewers.
The focus on “empathy” as a tangible, almost biological force adds a layer of depth to the traditional romance genre.
Kim Myung Soo’s casting is seen as a perfect fit, given his history of playing emotionally complex characters in projects like Angel’s Last Mission: Love, Royal Secret Agent, and Perfect Family.
His ability to convey intense emotion through subtle expressions makes him an ideal choice for a role defined by internal sensitivity.
Broadcast Schedule and Future Updates
“Empathy Cell” has officially entered production and is currently aiming for a broadcast date in the second half of 2026.
While the female lead and supporting cast are still being finalized, the confirmation of Kim Myung Soo as the central figure has already set a strong foundation for the series.
Fans of the actor can look forward to a performance that highlights both his charisma and his dramatic range as he tackles the complexities of the “Empathy Cell.”
On February 4, 2026, Fantagio, the management agency representing actor Kim Seon Ho, released an extensive official statement addressing recent allegations of tax evasion.
The controversy surfaced earlier in the week when media outlets reported that the actor was operating a family-run “one-person corporation,” suggesting that the entity may have been used as a vehicle for illicit tax practices.
In a proactive move to maintain the actor’s reputation and provide transparency, Fantagio has detailed the history of the corporation, its current status, and the steps taken to rectify any administrative misunderstandings.
The Origin and Purpose of the One-Person Corporation
According to the agency, Kim Seon Ho established a personal corporation in January 2024.
The primary intent behind this move was to manage his professional acting activities and support theater production, a field the actor has remained passionate about throughout his career.
During the period between the corporation’s founding and the start of his exclusive contract with Fantagio in February 2025, payments for his various activities were processed through this entity.
The agency clarified that this was a standard administrative setup for an independent artist during a transitional phase in his career.
Corrective Measures and Voluntary Tax Compliance
A significant portion of the statement focused on the actor’s proactive efforts to ensure legal and ethical compliance.
Upon realizing that the continued operation of a personal corporation could lead to public misunderstandings or administrative errors, Kim Seon Ho voluntarily halted its operations over a year ago.
To address any potential issues regarding past management—which the actor admitted he was not fully aware of at the time—he took several preemptive steps:
Kim Seon Ho (Credit: YouTube)
- Return of Corporate Assets: Kim Seon Ho returned all records of corporate card usage, family salary payments, and the corporate vehicle.
- Additional Tax Payments: In addition to the corporate taxes already paid, he completed the additional payment of personal income tax for the amounts previously settled through the corporation.
- Corporate Dissolution: Administrative procedures are currently underway to officially close the corporation, a process expected to be finalized in the near future.
Fantagio’s Current Contractual Relationship
Fantagio emphasized that since Kim Seon Ho signed with them in February 2025, his financial management has been entirely separate from the personal corporation.
All settlement payments have been made directly to the actor as an individual.
The agency stated unequivocally that the corporation has had no connection to his professional activities or contract under their management, reinforcing that his current financial dealings are beyond reproach.
The Actor’s Reflection and Apology
The statement concluded with a message of deep reflection from Kim Seon Ho himself. He expressed sincere regret for maintaining the corporation while lacking a thorough understanding of the complexities of corporate law and management.
The agency shared his apology to fans and the public for causing concern and confusion.
Fantagio also vowed to improve their artist management protocols to prevent similar misunderstandings in the future.
Despite the administrative hurdle, Kim Seon Ho remains a top-tier star, recently topping the buzzworthy actor rankings for his performance in the hit drama Can This Love Be Translated? alongside Go Youn Jung. This statement appears to be a definitive move to clear his name as he continues his successful career in 2026.
