Last year, G-Dragon and Cha Eun-woo, who participated in the ‘2025 APEC Summit’, are experiencing dramatically different outcomes.
The 33rd APEC Summit took place in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 31 and November 1 last year, marking the first time in 20 years since Busan hosted the event in 2005. Ahead of the event, a promotional video featuring prominent figures such as President Lee Jae-myung, G-Dragon, IVE’s Jang Won-young, former soccer player Park Ji-sung, director Park Chan-wook, and chef Ahn Sung-jae was released and drew significant attention. All participants contributed their time without compensation.
Appointed as an ambassador, G-Dragon performed at the welcome dinner on October 31. He was the sole K-pop artist invited, performing before leaders and officials from 21 APEC member countries.
Cha Eun-woo, currently serving in the military band, also garnered attention at the APEC Summit. He hosted part of the dinner event, having been serving with the Ministry of National Defense Support Group since July of last year.
Cha Eun-woo shed his uniform for a sharp suit, confidently hosting the event in fluent English.
G-Dragon, recognized for his long-standing contributions to the spread of Hallyu, received the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit at the ‘2025 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards’ on October 23.
The Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit is the second-highest honor in culture and arts, awarded to individuals who have made significant national impact and social contributions across various fields such as popular music, performance, broadcasting, and fine arts.
Following G-Dragon being recognized as the youngest recipient of the medal, his agency, Galaxy Corporation, also publicized a commendation from President Lee Jae-myung on the 19th.
In stark contrast, Cha Eun-woo, who shined alongside G-Dragon, is now embroiled in tax evasion allegations.
Cha Eun-woo underwent an intensive tax investigation by the Seoul Regional Tax Office and was subsequently notified of an approximate 20 billion won tax payment. The National Tax Service views the corporation established by Cha’s mother as a ‘paper company’ allegedly used by Cha and his mother for tax reduction.
His agency, Fantagio, stated that the matter is currently under investigation by tax authorities, and both the agency and Cha Eun-woo are fully cooperating. They pledged to take all necessary actions following the investigation’s conclusion.
Cha Eun-woo also issued an apology on social media, reflecting on whether he had sufficiently fulfilled his duties as a taxpayer and accepting responsibility for any misunderstandings stemming from his shortcomings.
The controversy continues as legal and industry experts offer further analyses and reports. Brands for which Cha modeled are removing promotional content, and even military-related videos featuring him are being affected.
