LONDON, United Kingdom — Korean singer and actor Cha Eun-woo is currently under fire for suspicions of evading taxes worth over 20 billion won (P804 million).
It was reported last year that the Astro member was investigated by the Seoul Regional Tax Office for suspicion of tax evasion while the National Tax Service (NTS) notified Eun-woo of an additional tax assessment exceeding the aforementioned amount in income tax, among others.
The report noted the NTS' issue with Eun-woo's income where despite being represented by Fantagio, the artist allegedly set up a separate family company through his mother.
Both parties supposedly entered a service agreement, becoming an alleged avenue for Eun-woo to lower taxes by splitting his income among his label, the family company, and himself.
Fantagio issued a statement addressing Eun-woo's tax audit, noting the primary issue was whether the family company qualifies as a substantive taxable entity.
"Nothing has been finally confirmed or officially notified at this time, and we plan to actively clarify the matter in accordance with lawful procedures," said the label.
The agency assured that Eun-woo and his tax representative would cooperate diligently in the investigation, reiterating the artist would continue to be a model citizen by fulfilling tax filings and all legal obligations.
Despite this, local brands like Abib and Shinhan Bank — which Eun-woo endorses — have dropped or hidden campaigns involving the artist.
One brand, BodyFriend, is in the process of replacing Eun-woo with non-celebrity endorsers though the move is reportedly unrelated to the tax issues.
Eun-woo made his acting debut in 2014 before debuting with the boy band Astro two years later.
His popularity led to projects like "Sweet Revenge," "Top Management," and his first leading role "Gangnam Beauty." He made his solo debut as a singer in 2024 with the release of the extended play "Entity."
Eun-woo enlisted for Korea's mandatory military service last July and is serving in the Army Band with still a year of service still to go.
Before he enlisted, he shot "The Wonderfools" opposite Park Eun-bin, which is due for release later this year.