Cha Eun-woo Pays 13B Won in Taxes, Seeks Legal Review

Cha Eun-woo, a member of boy group ASTRO and an actor, has fully paid 13 billion won ($10 million) in taxes and subsequently filed an appeal with the Tax Tribunal, challenging the National Tax Service’s assessment.

On August 2, a representative from his agency Fantagio confirmed to Herald Muse, “Cha Eun-woo has filed for a tax tribunal review in accordance with legal procedures to seek a judicial interpretation.”

The agency added, “As the matter is currently under review, we ask for your understanding that it is difficult to provide specific details at this time.”

Earlier this year in January, it was reported that the Seoul Regional Tax Office had conducted an intensive tax audit on Cha Eun-woo during the first half of last year and notified him of an additional income tax assessment exceeding 20 billion won, sparking allegations of tax evasion. The tax authorities are said to have regarded the related corporation as a so-called “paper company.”

In response, Fantagio stated, “The key issue in this case is whether a corporation established by Cha Eun-woo’s mother qualifies as a subject of substantive taxation. The matter has not yet been finalized or officially confirmed, and we plan to actively present our case through proper legal procedures regarding the interpretation and application of the law.”

Following the controversy, Cha Eun-woo said, “I respect the procedures and decision of the National Tax Service, and I have paid all related taxes to prevent further confusion,” offering an apology. However, his actual tax payment has been confirmed to be around 13 billion won, not the previously reported 20 billion won.

Meanwhile, Cha Eun-woo is currently serving his mandatory military duty in Korea.

Reported by Herald Muse Staff Writer Park Seo-hyun

Reviewed by Herald Muse Editor-in-Chief Kim Hae-yeon