Actor Lee Joon-gi admitted to being hit with a tax bill of around 900 million won (approximately $620,000) after a tax audit by the National Tax Service but stressed that he did not engage in tax evasion or fraud.
On the 19th, Lee Joon-gi's agency, Namoo Actors, stated, "Lee Joon-gi underwent a routine tax audit by the Gangnam Tax Office in 2023 and was assessed additional taxes, which he fully paid in compliance with the tax authorities' decision." However, they clarified that "this taxation resulted from differences in interpretation and application of tax laws between his tax representative and the authorities," distancing the matter from any illegal activity.
The agency explained, "This decision was unprecedented compared to previous tax practices, and there is even a division of opinion among tax experts regarding its validity." They further emphasized that "the main issue during the audit was whether the invoice transactions between our company and JG Entertainment, established by Lee Joon-gi, were legitimate, and whether the income should be considered as corporate tax for JG Entertainment or personal income tax for Lee Joon-gi."
They added that Lee Joon-gi respects the decision of the National Tax Service but has filed for a review by the Tax Tribunal, and the case is currently under deliberation.
The agency concluded by stating, "Actor Lee Joon-gi has strived to fulfill his tax obligations diligently under the guidance of his tax advisor," and added, "Namoo Actors and Lee Joon-gi are committed to adhering strictly to the laws and procedures as a responsible company and citizen of South Korea."
Earlier that day, a media outlet reported that the Gangnam Tax Office conducted a tax audit on Lee Joon-gi and his agency, Namoo Actors, in 2023, resulting in a tax imposition of approximately $620,000.
Photo by Baik Seung-Chul
kykang@sbs.co.kr
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)