Fantagio has announced their intention to actively clarify the situation.
Fans are responding by asserting his innocence.
Cha Eun-woo, a member of the boy band ASTRO, has become embroiled in tax evasion allegations linked to a corporation established by his mother. His agency, Fantagio, has issued an official statement indicating that they intend to clarify the situation.
In their statement on January 22, Fantagio noted, "The key issue in this case pertains to whether the corporation established by Cha Eun-woo’s mother qualifies as an actual taxable entity." They emphasized that the situation has not yet reached a final decision and that they will actively clarify the legal interpretations involved.
They further stated, "We will work diligently to resolve this matter promptly with the cooperation of the artist and tax representatives," adding that Cha Eun-woo has pledged to fulfill his tax obligations as a responsible citizen. According to reports, he received a notice from the National Tax Service regarding a tax imposition of around 20 billion won due to an income distribution structure linked to his mother's name. He has reportedly contested this by applying for a pre-review of the taxation. This issue appeared to expand during investigations into CEO Namgoong Kyeon’s tax evasion charges, where Cha Eun-woo's mother’s corporation came into focus.
This situation could significantly impact Cha Eun-woo, and the reactions from fans are noteworthy. While many supporters rally for him and assert his innocence, the concern remains regarding how such allegations might tarnish his image. Currently, fan responses appear to be questioning his integrity and ethics.
Moreover, this incident highlights the sensitivity of tax issues within the South Korean entertainment industry. As artists often engage in complex revenue structures involving personal and familial tax matters, such trends are becoming increasingly scrutinized and cannot be overlooked.
Finally, Fantagio's commitment to actively clarify the situation is viewed positively. Their efforts to protect Cha Eun-woo's reputation indicate a dedication to transparency, and the outcome of this case may significantly influence the direction of both the artist and the agency in the future.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: An Sung-hoo
