Fantagio has issued a second official statement after Cha Eun-woo apologized over reports of an alleged tax issue totaling roughly 20 billion won, pledging to take responsibility and follow through on any required measures.
“We sincerely apologize for causing concern with matters related to our artist Cha Eun-woo,” the agency said on January 27, adding that it “feels a heavy sense of responsibility for the controversy tied to the company and its artist.”
Addressing the current status of the allegations, Fantagio noted that “the facts are being reviewed through the tax authorities’ procedures,” and that both the artist and the company “are cooperating fully within the necessary scope.” The label continued, “Once legal and administrative judgments are finalized, we will responsibly carry out any necessary actions in line with those results.”
The company also urged caution over unverified claims circulating online. “We earnestly ask that people refrain from reckless speculation, the spread of unconfirmed information, and excessive interpretations,” Fantagio said, adding that it will review and strengthen its artist management systems to prevent similar issues from arising again.
Cha Eun-woo, who is currently serving in the military, issued a personal apology on the 26th via social media. “As a citizen of Korea, I’m reflecting on whether I approached my duty to pay taxes with sufficient rigor,” he wrote, pledging to cooperate with the inquiry to clear up the allegations. He also pushed back on rumors that he enlisted to dodge scrutiny, saying his service “was not a move to avoid this situation.”
The controversy began after reports that Korea’s National Tax Service deemed a corporation established by Cha’s mother to be a shell company and notified him of an additional assessment of about 20 billion won. Cha’s side has filed a pre-assessment appeal.
Cha Eun-woo enlisted in July last year and is currently serving in the Army band.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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