K-Pop sensation Cha Eun-woo is embroiled in a massive tax evasion scandal, with allegations of evading taxes amounting to over $15 million. Amidst these allegations, a promotional video featuring Cha Eun-woo, who is currently serving in the military, has been removed by the Ministry of National Defense.
On the 27th, it was confirmed that the episode of 'The Day's Military Story' featuring Cha Eun-woo was taken down from the KFN YouTube channel, operated by the Ministry of National Defense.
The video, released on December 24 last year, highlighted the story of Colonel Dean Hess and Chaplain Russell Blaisdell, who helped evacuate war orphans to safety during the Korean War. Cha Eun-woo served as the 'storyteller' for this narrative. However, the video is no longer available.
Due to the tax evasion allegations, Cha Eun-woo has already faced backlash from advertisers, and now there is speculation that the Ministry of National Defense is distancing itself from him as well.
Cha Eun-woo underwent a rigorous tax investigation by the Seoul Regional Tax Office last year and was reportedly notified of a tax bill exceeding $15 million.
Currently serving in the military band since his enlistment in July last year, Cha Eun-woo issued an apology on social media on the 26th. He stated, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern and disappointment to many people due to various issues related to me recently. This incident has made me reflect deeply on whether I have been sufficiently diligent in fulfilling my tax obligations as a citizen of Korea."
He further explained, "I am writing this after completing my duties within the unit. Although I am currently serving in the military, it was not an intentional choice to avoid the controversy. I had to enlist last year without completing the tax investigation process." He added, "I will faithfully comply with the ongoing tax-related procedures and humbly accept the final judgment from the relevant authorities, fulfilling any responsibilities that arise."
His agency, Fantagio, also issued an official statement, saying, "We sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people due to various situations related to our company and our artist, Cha Eun-woo. We feel a heavy responsibility for the controversy arising from matters related to our company and artist." They added, "The current issue is in the process of being verified by the tax authorities, and both the agency and the artist are cooperating fully within the necessary scope. Once legal and administrative judgments are clarified, we will responsibly implement the necessary measures based on the results."
Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr