Fantagio, the agency representing ASTRO member and actor Cha Eun-woo, has issued a statement regarding the recent tax evasion allegations against him.
On the 27th, Fantagio released an official statement, saying, "We sincerely apologize for causing concern due to various situations involving our company and our artist, Cha Eun-woo. We feel a heavy responsibility for the controversy related to our company and artist."
The statement continued, "The current issue is in the process of being verified by the tax authorities, and both the agency and the artist are fully cooperating within the necessary scope. Once legal and administrative judgments are clear, we will responsibly implement the necessary measures based on the results."
However, they also urged, "We earnestly request that unfounded speculations, unverified information, and excessive interpretations regarding the claims and suspicions raised by some be refrained from."
Fantagio concluded by stating, "We will take this opportunity to reassess our artist management system and strengthen it to prevent similar controversies from arising in the future."
Cha Eun-woo was reportedly subjected to an intensive tax investigation by the Seoul Regional Tax Office last year over tax evasion allegations and was notified of a tax levy exceeding 20 billion KRW. This amount is significant even among the tax levies imposed on celebrities. Cha Eun-woo enlisted in the military last July and is currently serving in the military band.
Official Statement from Fantagio
Hello, this is Fantagio.
We sincerely apologize for causing concern due to various situations involving our company and our artist, Cha Eun-woo.
We feel a heavy responsibility for the controversy related to our company and artist.
The current issue is in the process of being verified by the tax authorities, and both the agency and the artist are fully cooperating within the necessary scope. Once legal and administrative judgments are clear, we will responsibly implement the necessary measures based on the results.
We earnestly request that unfounded speculations, unverified information, and excessive interpretations regarding the claims and suspicions raised by some be refrained from.
We will take this opportunity to reassess our artist management system and strengthen it to prevent similar controversies from arising in the future.
Thank you.
Reporter: Kim Ji-won, TENASIA one@tenasia.co.kr