Actor-singer Cha Eun-woo issued a statement from military service apologizing amid reports he faces a tax bill exceeding 20 billion won.
Posting a lengthy note on social media on the 26th, Cha wrote, “I sincerely bow my head and apologize for the concern and disappointment I’ve caused. I’m reflecting on whether I upheld my duty as a taxpayer with the seriousness it deserves.”
Currently serving in the Army band, Cha said he was writing after finishing duties on base, pushing back on speculation he enlisted to dodge scrutiny. “Military service was not a way to avoid this controversy,” he wrote. “I could no longer delay enlistment last year and entered service before the tax review was fully concluded. I accept responsibility for the misunderstandings that arose from my shortcomings.”
He continued, “Over the past 11 years, I’ve stood where I am thanks to the love and support you’ve given me, even when I had more flaws than strengths. I am deeply sorry for the hurt and fatigue I’ve caused everyone who believed in me and worked with me.”
Cha added that if he weren’t in uniform, he would visit those affected to apologize in person. He pledged to cooperate with all tax procedures and “humbly accept the final decision” of the authorities.
“I will hold myself to a higher standard and live with the responsibility to repay the love I’ve received,” he wrote.
On the 22nd, a local outlet reported that Cha underwent an intensive National Tax Service audit last year over alleged underpayment of income taxes and was notified of an additional assessment reportedly topping 20 billion won―an unusually large sum even among celebrity cases. Cha is said to have filed a pre-assessment appeal.
According to the report, Cha allocated income through a one-person agency founded by his mother, referred to as Company A, under a support-services contract. The tax authority allegedly deemed the entity a “paper company” that provided no substantive services, summoned Cha and his mother, and concluded there were more than 20 billion won in unpaid income taxes.
Fantagio, Cha’s management company, responded: “The key issue is whether the entity established by his mother is subject to substantive taxation. Nothing has been finalized or officially notified. We will actively present our case through proper legal procedures regarding the interpretation and application of the law.”
Cha Eun-woo enlisted in July last year and is serving in the Army band.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)