Korean Stars Rebound from Tax Evasion Scandals, But Cha Eun-woo Faces Challenges

Korean actors Lee Ha-nee, Yoo Yeon-seok, and Kim Seon-ho have successfully resumed their entertainment careers after being embroiled in tax evasion controversies. However, Cha Eun-woo continues to face public scrutiny. Unlike the other three actors who leveraged their acting skills for a comeback, Cha Eun-woo has struggled to showcase notable talent in both music and acting, making his post-military service activities even more crucial.

Lee Ha-nee faced public disappointment last year when tax evasion allegations surfaced. Her agency clarified that it was not intentional, and she paid all due taxes. Despite the negative sentiment, she continued her career by starring in the film 'The Neighbors Upstairs' released at the end of the year. In January, TenAsia reported that Lee Ha-nee is likely to star in the drama 'Promoter' alongside Park Ji-hoon, with industry insiders suggesting her participation is almost confirmed.

Yoo Yeon-seok also managed to maintain his career momentum despite the tax evasion allegations. He has been active in both variety shows and dramas, building a cheerful image through SBS's variety show 'Whenever Possible' with Yoo Jae-suk. His recent drama 'God and Law Office' on SBS achieved double-digit ratings, reinforcing his position as a successful actor.

Kim Seon-ho did not halt his entertainment activities following his tax controversy. After issuing an official apology, he proceeded with the play 'Secret Passage: INTERVAL,' which sold out all three ticket rounds, demonstrating his strong ticket power. He is also set to appear in three upcoming dramas, 'Unfriend,' 'Fascination,' and 'May the Lord Protect You,' as well as the variety show 'Bonjour Bakery,' indicating continued income opportunities.

These actors faced public criticism during their controversies but have regained opportunities through their work. Their shared strength is their 'acting ability,' which has translated into casting opportunities and served as a stepping stone for their comebacks.

In contrast, Cha Eun-woo's situation is quite different. Since debuting with the idol group Astro in 2014, he gained public recognition as a 'face genius.' His striking visuals led to numerous brand endorsements, proving his influence and generating significant advertising revenue.

However, his acting and music skills have been consistently questioned. As an actor, he has faced negative reviews for his performances, and as a singer, his abilities have been doubted. Despite his 13-year career, he lacks a standout role or hit song. Nevertheless, his visual appeal has continued to attract offers for projects and endorsements.

The tax evasion controversy has directly impacted his image. Without strong professional skills to back up his looks, he quickly fell out of public favor. On October 8, Cha Eun-woo apologized on social media, stating, "I didn't pay enough attention. The responsibility lies with me, not my family or company." He reportedly paid approximately 13 billion won in taxes. This is the first time a tax evasion scandal involving over 10 billion won has been mentioned, amplifying the impact.

Initially, when the tax evasion allegations emerged in January, Cha Eun-woo's side announced plans to hire a major law firm for legal action. However, they later decided to accept the tax authorities' judgment. The public criticized this, questioning, "Can over 10 billion won be considered a mistake?" and expressing disbelief at the delayed apology after initially mentioning legal action.

Adding to the confusion, his agency Fantagio issued a statement mentioning "company management responsibility," while Cha Eun-woo emphasized personal responsibility, leading to mixed messages. Netizens pointed out that the inconsistent response further eroded trust.

Currently, Cha Eun-woo is set to appear in the Netflix series 'Wonderful,' starring Park Eun-bin. The series was filmed before his military enlistment, so its release schedule is unlikely to change. However, several advertising contracts have reportedly ended following the tax controversy, affecting his image-based activities.

Industry insiders are examining why the same controversy led to different outcomes for each actor. For Lee Ha-nee, Yoo Yeon-seok, and Kim Seon-ho, their acting skills and competitive edge built through their work positively influenced their comebacks. In contrast, Cha Eun-woo's popularity, primarily based on his image and visuals, lacks the competitive edge needed to overcome the tax scandal.

The key lies in his post-military service activities. Cha Eun-woo enlisted in the military band in July last year and is set to be discharged in January next year. Typically, preparations for post-discharge activities begin several months in advance. It is crucial for him to choose his next project wisely, receive comprehensive management support to restore his image, and demonstrate strong professional skills to turn the situation around.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr