SEOUL, South Korea—Cha Eun-woo, a prominent star of the K-drama True Beauty and member of the K-pop group Astro, has publicly addressed controversy surrounding allegations of massive tax discrepancies first reported last Thursday. The news came after Korean media outlets indicated that tax authorities are seeking over 20 billion Korean won (approximately $15 million USD) from the celebrity, potentially marking the largest tax claim ever pursued against a Korean entertainer. Cha Eun-woo, currently fulfilling his mandatory military service, posted a letter of apology late Tuesday evening on social media, expressing regret for causing worry among fans and the public.
The significant financial claim immediately sparked scrutiny, prompting his management agency, Fantagio, to reportedly file an objection and request a review of the decision. While awaiting the outcome of this action, subsequent media reports noted that Cha’s legal team had engaged Shin & Kim, one of Korea’s largest law firms, to manage the dispute. This firm previously handled complex litigation, including the contract dispute involving the girl group NewJeans.
Five days after the initial reports surfaced, the typically silent star broke his silence with a somber, all-black post accompanied by an official apology. In his statement, Cha Eun-woo expressed deep regret for the “recent personal incident” that had led to “worry and disappointment” among supporters.
Commitment to Compliance and Accountability
The celebrity acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that the incident prompted him to reflect profoundly on whether his responsibilities as a Korean citizen regarding taxation had been handled with sufficient rigor. He took pains to clarify the timing of his response, emphasizing that the letter was composed only after completing his daily military duties, thereby countering speculation that he was deliberately attempting to evade the mounting controversy while serving.
“I sincerely apologize for the recent personal matter that has caused so many people concern and disappointment,” he wrote. “This incident has made me deeply reconsider whether my handling of tax payments as a Korean citizen was meticulous enough.”
Looking ahead, Cha Eun-woo made a public commitment to full cooperation with authorities and pledged to accept any final ruling. “In the future, I will actively cooperate with all tax procedures and humbly accept the decisions of the relevant authorities, taking full responsibility,” he affirmed. He concluded his statement with a promise of stricter self-discipline to repay the support shown by the public.
Implications for Public Figures in Korea
The substantial nature of the claim highlights the intense scrutiny placed on the financial affairs of high-profile celebrities in South Korea. Tax evasion scandals, while rare among top-tier stars, often result in significant public backlash, requiring swift and transparent responses. Experts suggest that engaging a major law firm like Shin & Kim indicates the seriousness with which Cha and his agency are treating the potentially career-damaging allegations.
While the legal challenge to the tax authority’s assessment is underway, the public apology serves as an immediate attempt at damage control. The incident underscores the dual pressure facing mandated military service members who are also navigating complex legal or public relations issues. Full adherence to financial regulations is mandatory for all citizens, but public figures are often held to a uniquely high standard of conduct and transparency. The resolution of this case will likely set a new benchmark for how similar disputes involving top South Korean entertainers are managed.
