Cha Eun-woo has addressed the recent tax evasion allegations surrounding him.
Photo: Cha Eun Woo/Instagram
On January 26, the K-pop idol and actor issued an apology for the concern and disappointment surrounding his tax issues.
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“I sincerely bow my head and apologize for causing concern and disappointment to many people due to various recent matters involving myself,” he wrote in Korean with an English translation provided by Soompi.
“Taking this incident as an opportunity, I have deeply reflected on whether my attitude toward my duty as a citizen of the Republic of Korea, particularly regarding tax payments, was sufficiently rigorous,” he added.
The 28-year-old idol-actor shared that his lengthy message might come across as “an excuse,” emphasizing that it is his duty to sincerely address the issue and apologize.
He also clarified that he is currently serving in the military and did not enlist deliberately to avoid the controversy: “I am writing this after finishing my daily duties within the military unit. Currently, I am serving in the military, but this was by no means an intentional choice to avoid this controversy. Last year, I was in a situation where I could no longer postpone my military enlistment, and thus I enlisted without being able to complete the tax investigation procedures.”
“If I were not a soldier at the moment, I would want to personally visit and bow my head to all those who were harmed by this incident. With that sentiment, I am writing this letter with all my sincerity.”
He stated that he will fully cooperate with all upcoming tax-related procedures and take full responsibility once a final decision is reached.
“In the future, I will reflect on myself more rigorously and live with a greater sense of responsibility, with the mindset of repaying the love I have received,” he said.
“Once again, I sincerely apologize for causing concern,” he concluded his statement.
According to multiple Korean reports, Cha Eun-woo has been accused of evading taxes worth 20 billion won (over ₱800 million) through a paper company allegedly set up by his mother.
Following the allegations, Eun-woo’s agency, Fantagio, released an official statement and vowed to cooperate as swiftly as possible: “The key issue in this matter is whether the corporation established by Cha Eun Woo’s mother falls under the category of an entity subject to substantive taxation. Nothing has been finally confirmed or officially notified at this time, and we plan to actively clarify the matter in accordance with lawful procedures.”
Before this controversy, he gained fame as a member of the K-pop boy group Astro and later became a household name for his lead roles in dramas such as “True Beauty,” “Gangnam Beauty,” and “Island,” among others.
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