Cha Eun-woo is embroiled in tax evasion allegations reportedly involving a record 20 billion won in penalties. His participation in national events and roles as a bank model have drawn attention.
According to reports, Cha underwent a rigorous tax investigation by the Seoul Regional Tax Office last year on charges of evasion and was reportedly notified of a tax penalty of approximately 20 billion won. The amount is reportedly the highest ever imposed on a celebrity.
Additionally, the National Tax Service reportedly waited until Cha’s military enlistment procedures were completed before sending the investigation results, at Cha’s request. This fueled speculation that Cha may have used his enlistment to avoid controversy, though his agency, Fantagio, stated it had no further comment beyond its official statement.
Amid mounting controversies, Cha’s involvement in national events while enlisted is also under scrutiny. He hosted the APEC Summit welcome dinner last October. Questions of propriety arose because the event occurred after his military enlistment in July, while he was serving in the Military Band of the Ministry of National Defense Support Brigade. Some, however, believe he may not have been able to refuse the Ministry’s request.
Cha’s role as a bank advertisement model is also being reevaluated. Netizens expressed betrayal, citing a mismatch between the ‘tax evasion’ allegations and his image as a bank model, questioning his morality and trustworthiness.
He also models for various brands, including banking (Shinhan Bank), fashion (Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein), and retail (Bodyfriend, Norang Tongdak, LG Uplus). Following the allegations, Shinhan Bank privatized his advertising videos and images on its social media accounts. Similarly, skincare brand Abib also privatized his videos.
Meanwhile, his agency, Fantagio, stated regarding the tax evasion allegations, “The matter has not been finalized or officially communicated yet, and we plan to actively clarify the issues through legal procedures related to the interpretation and application of the law.”
Image source: Xportsnews, MBC Broadcast
