Cha Eunwoo issued an apology and clarified his position regarding the allegations.
His agency stressed that they would follow legal procedures regarding the incident.
[TV Daily Reporter Han Seoyul] Aden Cho, who voiced Lume in the Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' expressed his support for ASTRO's Cha Eunwoo, who is embroiled in a tax evasion controversy. On January 26, Cha Eunwoo took to his social media to apologize and clarify his position regarding the allegations. He committed to complying with upcoming tax-related procedures and stated he would humbly accept the final judgment, while firmly denying accusations of enlistment avoidance. Reflecting on this incident, he acknowledged the need to reconsider his attitude toward tax responsibilities. Aden Cho left a supportive comment on Cha Eunwoo's post, saying, 'Always supporting you dongseng, Hwaiting!' The two have maintained a warm friendship since meeting during the 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' project, and last July, they even covered the OST 'Free' together. Currently, Cha Eunwoo is facing a hefty tax penalty of 20 billion won, with the National Tax Service concluding he ran a sham company to evade taxes. His agency, Fantagio, stressed that the matter is not finalized and vowed to follow legal procedures.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of tax issues in the Korean entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of maintaining public trust. Although Cha Eunwoo has been adored as a youth star, this controversy could potentially tarnish his standing. However, the audience's response has been largely positive, as they appreciate his candid apology and reflective attitude, showing that fans are rallying behind him. Aden Cho's support will likely be a significant source of strength for Cha Eunwoo during this challenging time. The friendship between the two is drawing renewed attention, and fans are eager to see how they will navigate through this situation moving forward.
Moreover, this issue is likely to raise awareness regarding tax evasion among celebrities. Fans and the public will scrutinize artists' actions more closely, offering a chance to convey the message that transparent tax compliance is critical. ASTRO and Cha Eunwoo have garnered fan love through their consistent efforts, and if they can overcome this crisis successfully, they could emerge stronger than before.
Lastly, Aden Cho's encouragement not only strengthens Cha Eunwoo but also positively impacts their music endeavors. Fans will likely reminisce about their collaborative projects and eagerly anticipate future collaborations, thereby fostering a supportive environment that allows them to recover. It is hoped that this incident will mark a new beginning for both of them.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: Aden Cho's SNS
