*This content was translated by AI.
Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo flattened down and apologized for his mistake.
Cha Eun-woo expressed his apology in a lengthy article on the 26th, explaining the controversy over tax evasion and various suspicions related to the title of his "20 billion won notice of additional fine."
The Seoul Regional Tax Office conducted a high-intensity tax investigation against Cha Eun-woo in the first half of 2025 and notified him of the additional income tax of more than 20 billion won. This is the highest amount ever imposed on celebrities. The National Tax Service said Cha Eun-woo and his mother, identified only by his surname Choi, used a trick to reduce income tax, which reached 45%, to apply a corporate tax rate that is more than 20% lower than the income tax rate by using a non-substantial company, DANI.
Under the current law, if the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes is applied, a portal tax of 1 billion won or more can be sentenced to life imprisonment or five years or more. However, if it is concluded as an underreporting due to differences in tax law interpretation or is defined as tax avoidance, it will be exempt from criminal punishment other than moral responsibility and tax collection.
Soon after, Cha Eun-woo's agency Fantagio said in an official statement on the 22nd, "The main issue is whether the corporation established by Cha Eun-woo's mother is subject to real taxation. It is not a final and final issue, he said. "We will actively clarify issues related to the application of legal interpretation in accordance with due process."
First of all, Cha Eun-woo said, "As a Korean citizen, I am deeply reflecting on whether my attitude toward tax obligations was strict enough," and added, "Over the past few days, I had time to reflect on myself, thinking about what I should say to those who were hurt by me so that my apologies could be delivered a little bit." "I was worried that the rambling writing would sound like an excuse or that it would cause fatigue, but I came to think that it is the right thing to do to speak and apologize for this issue."
Cha Eun-woo said, "I joined the military in a situation where I could no longer postpone it, and it was never an intentional choice to avoid controversy," adding, "Last year, I could no longer postpone my enlistment in the military, so I joined the military without completing the tax investigation process." However, I am deeply aware of the responsibility because this is also a misunderstanding that stems from my lack. If I were not a soldier, I would like to visit everyone who would have been affected by this incident and bow down and apologize, so I am writing this with all my heart," he said.
Cha Eun-woo said, "Over the past 11 years, I have been able to be in the position of 'Cha Eun-woo' because of the love and support you have generously sent me. Therefore, I feel indescribably sorry for causing great hurt and fatigue to everyone who has worked with me, even if I can't repay you for my lack of trust and support, he said. "I will faithfully work on the tax-related process that is going on in the future." In addition, we will humbly accept the results according to the final judgment made by the relevant agency and fulfill our responsibilities accordingly.
At the same time, Cha Eun-woo said, "In the future, I will look back on myself more strictly and live with a greater sense of responsibility with a heart to repay the love I have received so far. Once again, I sincerely apologize for causing concern," he said.
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*This content was translated by AI.
