Astro Cha Eunwoo’s New Project Moves Forward Despite Actor’s Tax Controversy
Cha Eunwoo is facing major heat over a tax evasion scandal – yet his new Netflix series The WONDERfools is still moving forward.
The controversy began when Cha Eunwoo was hit with a whopping ₩20.0 billion KRW (~$13.4 million USD) tax evasion charge last July. This is the largest additional tax ever imposed on a celebrity. Cha Eunwoo’s side is fighting back, filing an administrative review and hiring a top law firm to respond.
Soon after, questions arose if The WONDERfools release would be delayed. But no change is happening.
The series will hold its official production presentation on May 12 in Seoul. Director Yoo In Sik and cast members Park Eun Bin, Kim Hae Sook, Choi Dae Hoon, Lim Sung Jae, Son Hyun Joo are attending—but Cha Eunwoo will not be there. He’s currently serving in the military and keeping a low profile after the scandal.
The show is still set to drop worldwide on May 15 as planned. It will be available in over 190 countries.
The controversy started after an investigation by Seoul Regional Tax Office’s Fourth Investigation Bureau targeted Fantagio, Cha Eunwoo’s agency.
During the probe, an eel restaurant linked to Cha Eunwoo’s mother, Corporation A, was uncovered.
As a result, Fantagio faced an ₩8.20 billion KRW (~$5.5 million USD) tax hit, and Corporation A along with Cha Eunwoo got the massive ₩20.0 billion KRW tax bill.
The WONDERfools is a comic action adventure about a group of clumsy locals in 1999 who suddenly get superpowers and fight crime in Haesung City. Cha Eunwoo plays a special public servant named Lee Woon Jeong. Park Eun Bin leads as Eun Chaeni, who gains powers unexpectedly.
The series is directed by Yoo In Sik, known for Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and written by Heo Da Joong, who adapted Extreme Job.
No official word yet from Cha Eunwoo or Fantagio on the scandal’s impact beyond what’s been reported.
Stay tuned as this story develops.