Did Fantagio Assist ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo With Tax Issues? Expert Analysis
Cha Eunwoo is facing a major tax evasion scandal involving ₩20.0 billion KRW (about $13.8 million USD). Suspicion is growing that his agency, Fantagio, may have helped orchestrate the scheme.
The controversy began on the 24th when YouTube channel “Korea Lawyer 2043” dropped a video titled “The Crisis of Genius Cha Eun Woo.” Lawyer Lee Ji Hoon broke down the allegations, saying it would have been tough to pull this off without support from the agency.
“We need to scrutinize what the corporation established by Cha Eunwoo’s mother did to support his entertainment activities,” Lee Ji Hoon said.
He pointed out that the corporation’s registered address was listed as an eel restaurant on Ganghwa Island — something hard to believe for anyone involved.
“The corporation’s registered address is listed as an eel restaurant located on Ganghwa Island, so we must consider whether they have the capacity to support Cha Eunwoo. Even someone unrelated would find it hard to accept that the address is an eel restaurant.”
Lee also called for proof of real support like schedule management or contract handling, noting suspicious moves after allegations surfaced.
“They must provide evidence of actual entertainment support activities such as schedule management and contract handling. It’s also suspicious that after the tax evasion allegations surfaced, the address was moved to Gangnam and the company converted to a limited liability company.”
The lawyer went further, speculating Fantagio designed the entire tax-saving structure.
“This is just speculation, but it seems Fantagio designed the tax-saving structure. Fantagio gave part of the money that should have gone to Cha Eunwoo to the corporation. Both Cha Eunwoo and the corporation are aware of this, but without Fantagio’s help, it wouldn’t have been possible,” he said.
“This kind of thing can’t happen unless Fantagio was either completely deceived or complicit. Since Fantagio is responsible for financial settlements, it makes no sense for them to give money to a company that hasn’t done any work. I believe Fantagio played a role.”
Fantagio responded to the tax evasion claims with this statement:
“The key issue in this matter is whether the corporation established by Cha Eunwoo’s mother is effectively subject to taxation. This matter has not yet been finalized or officially notified, and we intend to actively clarify the legal issues through proper procedures.”
“The artist and tax representatives will cooperate sincerely to ensure the process concludes quickly. Cha Eunwoo promises to continue fulfilling his tax reporting and legal obligations faithfully as a member of the public.”
The situation is unfolding fast, with intense scrutiny on both Cha Eunwoo and Fantagio over the massive tax issue.