Ji Chang Wook’s Agency Releases Official Response to Large-Scale Tax Evasion Allegations

Ji Chang Wook is facing a tax controversy after reports surfaced that he owes billions in back taxes.

The controversy began when the Seoul Regional Tax Office Investigation Division 2 launched an intensive investigation in March. The National Tax Service found issues with how Ji Chang Wook’s income and expenses were reported. Expenses initially filed as entertainment costs were reclassified by tax authorities as personal or unclear expenses, leading to a hefty demand for back taxes.

Soon after, Ji Chang Wook’s agency, Spring Company, issued an official statement denying any intentional wrongdoing.

“We deeply apologize for causing concern to many people due to this matter. However, we want to clearly state that there was no intentional income omission or fraudulent evasion,” the agency said.

The statement added that the company fully cooperated with the tax investigation and submitted all required documents. They explained the issue stems from a difference in how the tax laws were interpreted—specifically, whether the actor’s income should be attributed to him personally or to his corporation.

“During the recent tax investigation, the company transparently submitted related materials and sincerely cooperated with the inquiry, but we confirmed that there was a difference in interpretation and application of tax law with the tax authorities regarding whether the income from the actor’s entertainment activities should be attributed to the individual or the corporation in accordance with the principle of actual taxation,” the agency said.

They emphasized Ji Chang Wook has never had tax issues since his debut in 2008 and has always prioritized compliance.

“Therefore, we respect the results of the National Tax Service’s investigation and will promptly pay the imposed back taxes according to the relevant procedures,” the statement added.

Spring Company also vowed to improve their tax and accounting practices to prevent future issues.

“We will further scrutinize our tax and accounting management system to prevent similar incidents in the future and continue to faithfully fulfill our tax obligations in compliance with laws and principles,” they concluded.

The situation is still developing as the actor moves to address the back taxes and clear up the dispute.