ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo to Host Photo Exhibition in Japan Amidst Tax Controversy

ASTRO member Cha Eun-woo is set to hold a photo exhibition in Japan, marking his first official event since a recent tax controversy emerged.

According to local promotional sites in Japan, Cha Eun-woo will present his photo exhibition 'Afterimage' from April 28 to May 12 in Ginza, Tokyo. This exhibition is a project showcasing photos that capture Cha Eun-woo's daily life and emotions.

This event is particularly noteworthy as it is Cha Eun-woo's first public appearance following the tax-related controversy. While no other public schedules have been announced since the issue arose, it is reported that this event was planned before the controversy came to light.

The 'Afterimage' exhibition is themed around Cha Eun-woo's everyday moments, offering fans a glimpse into his life beyond the stage.

Japan has been a region where Cha Eun-woo has consistently maintained popularity through his activities with ASTRO and as an actor.

In January, the Seoul Regional Tax Office's Investigation Bureau 4 imposed a tax of over 20 billion KRW on Cha Eun-woo. This case, known as one of the largest in the entertainment industry, involved the use of a personal corporation to avoid higher income tax rates, opting instead for a lower corporate tax rate. The National Tax Service concluded that the corporation did not provide substantial management services to his agency, Fantagio, or to Cha Eun-woo himself. In response to the growing controversy, Cha Eun-woo issued an apology on social media, expressing deep regret. However, he has contested the tax office's decision, hiring a major law firm to file a 'pre-assessment review' and is awaiting the outcome.
Cha Eun-woo's representatives stated, "Due to frequent changes in Fantagio's leadership, there was significant concern about the stability of his entertainment activities, leading his mother to manage the business directly." They emphasized that the corporation is a legitimately registered entity in the cultural arts planning industry, not a shell company.

Fantagio also commented, "Cha Eun-woo's mother has been supporting his entertainment activities through management tasks, and we are proceeding with legal procedures to ensure a fair judgment based on supporting evidence." They added, "This matter has not been finalized or officially notified, and we plan to actively clarify the legal interpretations and applications involved."

Reporter: Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr