Webtoon writer Yaongi (real name Kim Na-young), who was embroiled in suspicions of tax evasion, came forward to explain.
Writer Yaongi said on the 11th, "I have already been investigated by the National Tax Service for a one-person corporation on November 16, 2022, and I faithfully participated in the investigation. As a result, I was recognized as not guilty of personal use of my corporate card and vehicle." .
However, he acknowledged, "There were taxes imposed on some items that were handled incorrectly. It was definitely my responsibility and it was a mistake that occurred because I was not careful." He then said, “I will take readers’ criticism seriously.”
Author Yaongi said, “There is currently a controversy over the legal interpretation of value-added tax for the publishing and webtoon industries, so we are actively clarifying this with the help of a professional accountant.” He also added, "I will try to faithfully fulfill my tax obligations and be more strict with myself while working in the future."
Recently, Yonhap News TV reported that the National Tax Service is investigating about 80 people, including celebrities, webtoon writers, and YouTubers, on charges of tax evasion. According to reports, Mr. A, a popular webtoon writer, bought a supercar worth hundreds of millions of won with company money. It is known that Mr. A evaded value-added tax by supplying copyrighted works to a corporation and not issuing a tax invoice.
Writer Meowi married Jeon Seon-wook, the author of the webtoon 'Free Draw', in December last year.
◆ Below is the full text of author Yaongi.
hello. Meow is a writer.
I would like to tell readers who enjoy my work about recent media reports.
First, we apologize for causing concern to our readers with bad news.
On November 16, 2022, I was already subject to a tax investigation by the National Tax Service for a one-person corporation. I faithfully participated in the investigation, and as a result, I was found not guilty of personal use of my corporate card and vehicle.
However, taxes have been levied on some mishandled items. It is definitely my responsibility and it was a mistake that occurred because I was not careful. I will take readers’ criticism seriously.
There is currently a controversy over the legal interpretation of value-added tax for the publishing and webtoon industries, and we are actively seeking assistance from professional accountants to clarify the issue.
I will strive to faithfully fulfill my tax obligations and be more strict with myself during my future activities.
thank you
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr