On October 8, Cha Eun-woo took to Instagram to share, "I respect the procedures and results of the National Tax Service and have paid all related taxes to prevent further confusion. I will also diligently comply with the remaining procedures."
He continued, "As someone who has been active with much love and support from many, I am taking this matter very seriously. If there were areas I failed to oversee, the responsibility lies with me. I will not evade responsibility by claiming ignorance or blaming others' judgments."
He concluded, "To ensure the same issue does not recur, I will scrutinize all aspects of my future activities with more caution and strict standards. I will strive to be a Cha Eun-woo who takes full responsibility for my choices and actions."
Previously, on January 22, Cha Eun-woo was notified by the National Tax Service's Investigation Bureau 4 to pay additional income tax amounting to approximately 20 billion KRW. The tax authorities reportedly viewed the corporation he established with an acquaintance, separate from his agency Fantagio, as a paper company, suspecting an attempt to lower tax rates by distributing personal income as corporate income.
In response, Fantagio stated, "We will clarify through legitimate procedures such as tax appeals. We will humbly accept and fulfill our responsibilities according to the final judgment of the relevant authorities."
Full Statement from Cha Eun-woo's SNS
This is Cha Eun-woo.
I sincerely apologize for the disappointment and confusion caused to fans and many others due to the recent tax controversy involving me.
During the process of various administrative procedures, I had to be cautious in expressing my stance, which delayed my statement. I apologize once again for the delay.
Although late, I would like to directly share my thoughts and stance once again.
I respect the procedures and results of the National Tax Service and have paid all related taxes to prevent further confusion.
I will also diligently comply with the remaining procedures.
As someone who has been active with much love and support from many, I am taking this matter very seriously.
If there were areas I failed to oversee, the responsibility lies with me. I will not evade responsibility by claiming ignorance or blaming others' judgments.
During a period of various changes and confusion in my activities, I established a corporation to continue my activities more stably. However, looking back, there were areas I did not thoroughly examine, and I believe the responsibility lies with me, not my family or company.
Through this incident, I have realized the need to reflect on myself. Above all, it pains me and I am sorry for disappointing the fans, AROHA, who have trusted me.
To ensure the same issue does not recur, I will scrutinize all aspects of my future activities with more caution and strict standards.
I will strive to be a Cha Eun-woo who takes full responsibility for my choices and actions.
Once again, I express my deep apologies.
Thank you for reading this long message.
Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr