Cha Eun-woo Apologizes Amidst Multi-Million Dollar Tax Scandal

South Korean entertainer Cha Eun-woo has publicly apologized for tax evasion allegations involving a company founded by his mother. He expressed deep regret for causing concern and disappointment to his fans and associates. Cha Eun-woo stated he is undergoing serious self-reflection regarding his duty as a citizen to pay taxes responsibly.

The situation arose after the National Tax Service informed the 28-year-old actor he might owe over 20 billion won (approximately $13.6 million) in additional income tax. This follows an intensive audit last year, which industry sources suggest is the largest tax amount ever sought from an individual entertainer in South Korea.

Investigators found that the management firm, registered under his mother's name, functioned as a shell corporation with no substantial business operations. This arrangement reportedly allowed Cha Eun-woo's income to be taxed at a lower corporate rate, avoiding the higher personal income tax bracket. Both the actor and his mother were questioned about this setup.

Cha Eun-woo clarified that his military enlistment in July 2025 was not an attempt to evade the controversy, as he had reached a point where postponement was no longer feasible. He acknowledged personal shortcomings contributed to the misunderstanding and accepted full responsibility. He pledged to comply fully with all future tax procedures and accept the final decisions of relevant authorities.