Seoul — Cha Eun-woo, the K-pop idol and actor currently serving mandatory military service, has sparked fresh headlines with a potential new acting project even as he continues to contest one of the largest tax evasion charges ever leveled against a South Korean celebrity.
The 27-year-old Astro member and star of the hit drama “True Beauty” has been in talks to lead “Sword of Silla” (working title), a cooking-themed drama set in the same universe as “The Tyrant’s Chef,” his agency confirmed Thursday. The production is helmed by director Jang Tae-yoo, known for the upcoming series “The Tyrant’s Chef.”
However, the casting news arrives against the backdrop of a tax scandal that erupted earlier this year. South Korea’s National Tax Service accused Cha of evading more than 200 billion won (approximately $150 million USD) — a record sum for a K-pop entertainer. Authorities alleged that Cha’s mother, identified only by her surname Choi, operated a shell company that improperly split his income with his management firm, Fantagio.
Cha reportedly paid the outstanding tax bill but has formally challenged the tax agency’s assessment method. He filed an appeal with the Tax Tribunal, signaling his disagreement with how authorities calculated the amount owed. Legal experts say such appeals are unusual for high-profile celebrities, who often settle quietly to avoid reputational damage.
“This is a bold legal strategy,” said Kim Min-ji, a tax attorney at Seoul National University’s law clinic. “By contesting the methodology rather than the fact of underpayment, Cha is essentially arguing that the tax code was misapplied — a defense that could set a precedent if successful.”
The case has reignited public debate over tax transparency among South Korea’s entertainment elite. According to data from the National Tax Service, celebrity tax audits have risen 40% since 2020, with authorities targeting income disguised through family-run entities.
New Drama: A Strategic Career Move?
Cha, who enlisted in active duty in early 2023, is scheduled to be discharged in January 2025. “Sword of Silla” would mark his first major post-military role. The series, described as a culinary historical drama, shares a narrative world with “The Tyrant’s Chef” but follows an independent storyline — a format that allows for potential crossovers.
Fantagio, however, emphasized that the project remains unconfirmed. “This is one of several offers under review,” the agency said in a statement. “No contract has been signed.”
Industry observers note that Cha’s swift return to high-profile projects reflects both his enduring popularity and the pressure on idols to rebuild momentum after mandatory service, which typically lasts 18 to 21 months in South Korea.
Broader Implications
The tax dispute has not appeared to dampen Cha’s commercial appeal. His Instagram following exceeds 30 million, and he continues to be a brand ambassador for luxury labels. Yet the legal wrangling could influence how other entertainment companies structure artist contracts, particularly regarding profit-sharing with family members.
For now, fans await the tax tribunal’s ruling, which may take months. Meanwhile, “Sword of Silla” — if greenlit — could become a test case for whether an idol embroiled in financial controversy can sustain a mainstream acting career.
This article contains background from South Korea’s National Tax Service, legal briefs, and agency statements.
