It was revealed that penalties comprise a substantial part of the total amount.
His agency announced their commitment to provide an explanation through legal channels.
[TV Daily Reporter Han Seo-yul] Expert opinions have surfaced regarding the tax controversy surrounding Cha Eun-woo, a member of ASTRO. Attorney Kim Myung-kyu shared a legal interpretation of the tax penalty on his personal SNS on the 25th. Recently, Cha Eun-woo received a tax assessment notice from the National Tax Service amounting to approximately 20 billion won. The agency considered his mother’s cultural planning business a paper company, presuming it was an illegal method to reduce taxes. According to Attorney Kim, a significant portion of this penalty is comprised of additional charges that resemble fines. He clarified that this figure does not represent mere unpaid taxes, suggesting that the original tax due was around 10 to 14 billion won. The implications of penalties and interest compound the seriousness of Cha Eun-woo's situation. He noted that the desire to avoid necessary expenses in the pursuit of tax benefits led to the return of 20 billion won as a boomerang. He warned that this issue extends beyond mere tax payments, capable of escalating to a criminal complaint based on intent. Cha Eun-woo's agency, Fantagio, stated that the key point is whether the company established by his mother is subject to actual taxation, asserting their commitment to provide a clear explanation.
This incident raises significant questions not only about Cha Eun-woo's standing in the entertainment industry but also about his business practices. While many past stars have operated within legal tax avenues, tax evasion issues can greatly tarnish one's image. In Cha Eun-woo's case, it's not merely a personal issue; it demands a deeper reflection on the responsibilities of public figures within the cultural and economic spheres. The fans and public at large could find this situation significantly affecting the activities of his group, ASTRO. Thus, it stands to create a discourse around societal perceptions and the responsibilities of entertainers.
As the matter of penalties takes center stage, Cha Eun-woo's tax issue may not just result in financial losses. The long-term ramifications of this incident on his career remain uncertain, but it could limit his public engagements, potentially straining his relationships with fans. Ultimately, he may need to exercise greater caution not only in resolving tax-related issues but also in managing his public persona and interactions with fans. Should legal matters remain unresolved, there may be dire consequences for the image and activities of ASTRO.
Finally, Cha Eun-woo and his agency must prepare to take independent legal measures. Should this case gain traction, the legal process could become more complicated, further jeopardizing their public image. It is vital for them to navigate this situation effectively through proper legal channels to mitigate potential damages.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: DB
