Cha Eun Woo Finally Breaks Silence, Personally Addresses His Tax Evasion Controversy
Cha Eun Woo released his position regarding tax evasion allegations on the 26th of January through his social networking service (SNS).
Cha Eun Woo said, “I will faithfully comply with the tax-related procedures that will proceed in the future. I will humbly accept the outcome according to the final judgment made by the relevant authorities and take responsibility accordingly,” bowing his head.
He continued, “I sincerely bow my head in apology for causing concern and disappointment to many people. Through this incident, I am deeply reflecting on myself, questioning whether my attitude toward fulfilling my duty of paying taxes as a citizen of the Republic of Korea was sufficiently strict.”
Writing an apology four days after the allegations were raised, Cha Eun Woo said, “I worried that a lengthy statement might sound like an excuse or instead cause further fatigue, but I came to believe that it was my duty to personally speak and apologize regarding this matter.”
Speculation also arose in some quarters that he enlisted in the military to avoid tax procedures. Cha Eun Woo stated, “It was never an intentional choice to avoid this controversy. Last year, I reached a situation where I could no longer postpone my military enlistment and entered the military without being able to complete the tax audit procedures.”
Regarding this, he emphasized, “If I were not currently serving as a soldier, I would want to personally visit and bow my head in apology to everyone who was harmed by this incident, and it is with that that I am writing this statement.”
He continued, “Over the long span of 11 years, someone like me who has more shortcomings than what I possess was able to stand in the undeserved position of ‘Cha Eun Woo’ thanks solely to the love and support you all generously gave. Therefore, even if I cannot repay all those who trusted and supported my lacking self and the many people I have worked with, I am indescribably sorry for causing deep wounds and fatigue.”
Cha Eun Woo concluded, “I will reflect on myself more strictly going forward and live with a much greater sense of responsibility, repaying the love I have received.”
The tax evasion allegations against Cha Eun Woo became known on the 22nd through an exclusive report by E-Daily titled, “Cha Eun Woo, tax evasion allegations through ‘mother’s company’… 20 billion won in additional taxes.” Cha Eun Woo’s mother reportedly established Corporation A and signed a service contract supporting his entertainment activities with his agency Fantagio, through which Cha Eun Woo’s income was divided among Fantagio, Corporation A, and Cha Eun Woo. The National Tax Service viewed Corporation A as a paper company and imposed additional taxes totaling approximately 20 billion won [over $13 million]. Cha Eun Woo has currently filed an objection to the National Tax Service’s decision and is awaiting the result of a pre-assessment review.
Fantagio stated on the 22nd, “The key issue is whether the corporation established by Cha Eun Woo’s mother falls under substantive taxation. This is not a matter that has been finally confirmed or notified, and we plan to actively explain our position through lawful procedures regarding issues of legal interpretation and application.”
It is reported that Cha Eun Woo has appointed the major law firm Sejong as his legal representative and is preparing legal procedures in response to the National Tax Service’s taxation measures. Fantagio told E-Daily on the 26th, “It is difficult to confirm.”
Cha Eun Woo enlisted in the Army Military Band in July last year and recently came out on regular leave after serving for six to seven months. His scheduled discharge date is January 27, 2027.
Source: (A)
