ENTERTAINMENT
Cha Eun-woo Addresses Tax Evasion Allegations Amid Military Service
Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo, currently serving in the military, has addressed recent tax evasion allegations. He denied claims that he enlisted to avoid the controversy, while apologizing for the tax issues that have caused concern.
On the 26th, Cha Eun-woo took to his official social media to express, "As a citizen of South Korea, I am reflecting deeply on whether my approach to fulfilling my tax obligations has been sufficiently rigorous."
Cha Eun-woo also denied the allegations of enlisting to avoid the controversy. He stated, "I am currently serving in the military, but it was not an intentional choice to evade the current controversy. Last year, I reached a point where I could no longer postpone my enlistment, and I joined the military without completing the tax investigation process. However, I fully acknowledge that this misunderstanding stems from my shortcomings."
He further apologized, saying, "I am sincerely sorry and will faithfully participate in the ongoing tax-related procedures. I will humbly accept the final judgment from the relevant authorities and take full responsibility accordingly."
Cha Eun-woo has been notified by the National Tax Service of a tax imposition exceeding 20 billion KRW related to income tax. The tax authorities believe he evaded taxes by distributing income through a corporation under his mother's name, benefiting from a lower corporate tax rate compared to personal income tax. The corporation is viewed as a paper company that does not provide actual services.
In response, his agency, Fantagio, stated on the 22nd that the core issue is whether the corporation established by his mother is subject to actual taxation, and they plan to actively clarify the matter through legal procedures. Cha Eun-woo enlisted in July last year and is currently serving in the Army Band.
Below is the full statement from Cha Eun-woo:
Hello, this is Cha Eun-woo.
I sincerely apologize for causing concern and disappointment to many people due to various issues related to me recently.
This incident has prompted me to deeply reflect on whether my approach to fulfilling my tax obligations as a citizen of South Korea has been sufficiently rigorous.
Over the past few days, I have been contemplating how to convey my apologies to those who have been hurt by my actions, and I have spent time reflecting.
I was worried that a lengthy explanation might sound like an excuse or cause fatigue, but I felt it was my duty to personally address and apologize for this matter.
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 evade the current controversy.
Last year, I reached a point where I could no longer postpone my enlistment, and I joined the military without completing the tax investigation process. However, I fully acknowledge that this misunderstanding stems from my shortcomings.
If I were not in the military, I would personally visit everyone affected by this issue and apologize sincerely. I am writing this with all my heart.
Over the past 11 years, despite having more shortcomings than strengths, I have been able to reach my current position as 'Cha Eun-woo' thanks to the love and support I have received.
Therefore, I am deeply sorry for causing significant distress and fatigue to those who have supported and worked with me.
I will faithfully participate in the ongoing tax-related procedures. I will humbly accept the final judgment from the relevant authorities and take full responsibility accordingly.
I will continue to reflect on myself more strictly and live with a greater sense of responsibility to repay the love I have received.
Once again, I sincerely apologize for causing concern.
January 26, 2026
Sincerely, Cha Eun-woo
Reporter: Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
On the 26th, Cha Eun-woo took to his official social media to express, "As a citizen of South Korea, I am reflecting deeply on whether my approach to fulfilling my tax obligations has been sufficiently rigorous."
Cha Eun-woo also denied the allegations of enlisting to avoid the controversy. He stated, "I am currently serving in the military, but it was not an intentional choice to evade the current controversy. Last year, I reached a point where I could no longer postpone my enlistment, and I joined the military without completing the tax investigation process. However, I fully acknowledge that this misunderstanding stems from my shortcomings."
He further apologized, saying, "I am sincerely sorry and will faithfully participate in the ongoing tax-related procedures. I will humbly accept the final judgment from the relevant authorities and take full responsibility accordingly."
Cha Eun-woo has been notified by the National Tax Service of a tax imposition exceeding 20 billion KRW related to income tax. The tax authorities believe he evaded taxes by distributing income through a corporation under his mother's name, benefiting from a lower corporate tax rate compared to personal income tax. The corporation is viewed as a paper company that does not provide actual services.
In response, his agency, Fantagio, stated on the 22nd that the core issue is whether the corporation established by his mother is subject to actual taxation, and they plan to actively clarify the matter through legal procedures. Cha Eun-woo enlisted in July last year and is currently serving in the Army Band.
Below is the full statement from Cha Eun-woo:
Hello, this is Cha Eun-woo.
I sincerely apologize for causing concern and disappointment to many people due to various issues related to me recently.
This incident has prompted me to deeply reflect on whether my approach to fulfilling my tax obligations as a citizen of South Korea has been sufficiently rigorous.
Over the past few days, I have been contemplating how to convey my apologies to those who have been hurt by my actions, and I have spent time reflecting.
I was worried that a lengthy explanation might sound like an excuse or cause fatigue, but I felt it was my duty to personally address and apologize for this matter.
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 evade the current controversy.
Last year, I reached a point where I could no longer postpone my enlistment, and I joined the military without completing the tax investigation process. However, I fully acknowledge that this misunderstanding stems from my shortcomings.
If I were not in the military, I would personally visit everyone affected by this issue and apologize sincerely. I am writing this with all my heart.
Over the past 11 years, despite having more shortcomings than strengths, I have been able to reach my current position as 'Cha Eun-woo' thanks to the love and support I have received.
Therefore, I am deeply sorry for causing significant distress and fatigue to those who have supported and worked with me.
I will faithfully participate in the ongoing tax-related procedures. I will humbly accept the final judgment from the relevant authorities and take full responsibility accordingly.
I will continue to reflect on myself more strictly and live with a greater sense of responsibility to repay the love I have received.
Once again, I sincerely apologize for causing concern.
January 26, 2026
Sincerely, Cha Eun-woo
Reporter: Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
