ASTRO Members Honor Late Moonbin's Birthday Amid Cha Eun-woo's Tax Controversy

ASTRO members recently commemorated the birthday of their late member Moonbin, while Cha Eun-woo, currently serving in the military, is drawing attention for addressing tax evasion allegations.

On the 26th, ASTRO members MJ, Jinjin, and Yoon San-ha expressed their longing for Moonbin, whose birthday it was, by posting heartfelt messages on social media and YouTube.

MJ shared a photo with the caption, "Happy birthday, Bin." Jinjin posted, "Happy birthday to my brother. I love you and miss you," along with a photo of Moonbin wearing a beanie and mask, adding, "I should have taken more pictures."

Yoon San-ha also shared a photo taken at a swimming pool, saying, "Happy birthday, hyung. I love you forever." He uploaded a cover song video on ASTRO's official YouTube channel, writing, "Hyung, happy birthday. Are you doing well? I'm already 27. Listening to this song, the lyrics really hit me. So today, my gift! I miss you. A lot. I'll let you hear my voice every birthday. You wouldn't mind, right? Everyone misses you a lot. So take care, okay?"

In contrast, Cha Eun-woo, embroiled in a tax evasion scandal involving over 20 billion KRW, posted an apology instead of a birthday message. He shared a black image on his social media, stating, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern and disappointment with recent issues related to me. I am reflecting deeply on whether my approach to fulfilling my tax obligations as a citizen of Korea was strict enough. I will sincerely participate in the ongoing tax-related procedures and humbly accept the final judgment from the relevant authorities, taking full responsibility." Unlike last year, Cha Eun-woo did not leave a birthday message for Moonbin this year.

Fantagio, his agency, also issued a statement on the 27th, saying, "We sincerely apologize for causing concern with recent situations involving our company and artist Cha Eun-woo. We feel a heavy responsibility for the controversy arising from matters related to our company and artist. The current issue is under investigation by tax authorities, and both the agency and the artist are cooperating fully within the necessary scope. Once legal and administrative judgments are clear, we will responsibly implement necessary measures."

Cha Eun-woo was reportedly subjected to a high-intensity tax investigation by the Seoul Regional Tax Office's Investigation Bureau 4 last year, with over 20 billion KRW in taxes levied against him. This is a significant amount even among tax penalties imposed on celebrities. Cha Eun-woo enlisted in the military in July last year and is serving in the military band.

Moonbin passed away in April 2023 at the age of 25.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr