Request Submitted to Modify ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo’s Military Band Placement
Cha Eunwoo is facing renewed controversy over his military band assignment amid a tax surcharge scandal.
The situation started after Cha Eunwoo apologized on April 8 for a tax surcharge issue. He said on social media,
“I respect the procedures and outcomes of the National Tax Service. I will carefully and strictly review all activities to prevent the same issue from recurring.”
“If there were any shortcomings in my oversight, I take full responsibility. I will not avoid it for any reason.”
Soon after his apology, a petition was filed on April 9 by complainant A with the Ministry of National Defense. A requested a reconsideration of Cha Eunwoo’s military band posting, arguing:
“If a position with high external representation remains unchanged without any review, it could cause relative deprivation and lower morale among the many soldiers who serve silently on the front lines.”
This is not the first petition. A had also submitted a similar request on January 28. Back then, the Ministry replied that soldier assignments are decided comprehensively under the Military Personnel Act and related rules, with no plans to change assignments.
Data on the tax issue shows the actual surcharge paid was about ₩13.0 billion KRW (roughly $8.79 million USD), not the previously reported ₩20.0 billion KRW ($13.5 million USD).
The Ministry of National Defense has yet to announce any new decisions regarding the petition. The controversy continues as fans and critics watch closely.
Earlier this month, Cha Eun Woo was smoothly promoted to the rank of Corporal. Furthermore—just two or three days ago—the Ministry of Defense issued a response regarding a request it had received concerning Cha Eun Woo’s protection. Moreover, his recent letter of apology serves as irrefutable proof of his professional and personal integrity, as well as the deep respect he holds for his colleagues, family, and fans. It is now clear that there was no instance of tax evasion, but rather a tax adjustment—the balance of which has since been paid in full. In light of all this, I consider the new request submitted by “A” to be malicious in nature, aiming solely to undermine Cha Eun Woo’s hard-earned reputation. Could this be a case of envy?