Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo has been embroiled in tax evasion allegations, leading to the removal of his advertisement posts and a video from the Ministry of National Defense.
Following a notice for additional taxes totaling approximately 20 billion KRW issued to Cha Eun-woo, fashion, banking, and beauty brands that had selected him as a model swiftly removed his images, social media posts, and privatized videos, generating significant public interest.
Currently serving in the military, Cha Eun-woo actively promoted military content, including “That Day’s Army Stories.” However, after the controversy, the Armed Forces Broadcasting Company’s KFN removed all his videos.
Many netizens have expressed interest in the Ministry of National Defense’s swift actions despite Cha Eun-woo’s military status.
On January 26, Cha Eun-woo personally addressed the tax evasion issues, stating, “I am deeply reflecting on whether my attitude towards fulfilling my tax duties as a citizen of the Republic of Korea has been rigorous enough,” and “I fully acknowledge my responsibility as this misunderstanding arose from my shortcomings.”
He added, “I am currently finishing my duties within the unit,” clarifying that entering military service was not an attempt to escape the controversy.
Fans and netizens reacted with comments like “The issue is escalating,” “This is the right action,” and “It’s unfortunate but inevitable,” after KFN privatized the military content just a day after his statement.
Previously, Cha Eun-woo underwent an intensive investigation by the Seoul Regional Tax Office and received a notice for unpaid income taxes amounting to approximately 20 billion KRW. The National Tax Service suspects a company established by Cha’s mother to be a “paper company,” which they believe was used to reduce tax burdens.
Regarding the controversy, his agency stated, “The current issues are under verification according to tax authorities’ procedures. The agency and the artist are fully cooperating within the necessary scope of the investigation,” and “We will responsibly execute necessary actions based on future legal and administrative judgments.”
