Ex-National Tax Service Investigator Reviews ASTRO Cha Eunwoo’s Tax Evasion Case
Cha Eunwoo is facing a massive tax evasion scandal.
The National Tax Service (NTS) hit the ASTRO member and actor with a ₩20.0 billion KRW (about $13.7 million USD) tax supplement demand. The controversy started when the YouTube channel “CIRCLE 21” released a video featuring Jeong Hae In, a tax firm executive and former NTS investigator, breaking down the case.
Jeong pointed to the key problem: the difference in tax rates. He said,
“The highest personal income tax rate is about 50%, while the corporate tax rate is around 20%. From the NTS’s perspective, there is a structural question: ‘Why was income that should have been taxed at 50% routed through a corporation that paid only 20%?’”
The issue could be that Cha Eunwoo’s personal earnings were recorded as corporation sales to dodge higher taxes.
Jeong revealed the case is handled by the NTS Seoul Regional Tax Office’s Investigation Division 4. He explained this division deals with huge incomes, suggesting Cha Eunwoo’s earnings might exceed ₩100 billion KRW ($68.4 million USD), way above typical entertainer cases.
“Typically, individual entertainer investigations are handled by Investigation Division 2, in which most sales are under ₩100 billion KRW. If Investigation Division 4, known as the ‘reaper of the business world,’ is involved, then, although not definitively confirmed, Cha Eunwoo’s income might exceed ₩100 billion KRW,” Jeong said.
Jeong also flagged the corporation might be a shell company, which could push this into criminal tax evasion territory.
“Investigation Division 4 basically investigates with prosecution in mind. If a criminal charge is filed and legally classified as tax evasion, the individual could become a convicted offender,” he warned.
Fantagio, Cha Eunwoo’s agency, responded:
“This matter has not been finally confirmed or notified,” and said they will “actively clarify the issue through legal procedures concerning interpretation and application of the law.”
Cha Eunwoo posted on social media:
“I am deeply reflecting on whether I was sufficiently strict in fulfilling my tax obligations. I will humbly accept the final judgment of the relevant authorities and take full responsibility for the outcome.”
The scandal is gaining traction as investigators dig deeper.
Cha Eunwoo’s Tax Evasion Scandal Timeline
[View full coverage here][Embedded video from CIRCLE 21 on Cha Eunwoo’s tax investigation] [Embedded Twitter response or social post by Cha Eunwoo]