Possibilities of a military investigation have been mentioned, with his agency confirming the facts.
His image and career are at risk of being threatened.
[TV Daily Reporter Lee Gi-eun] Cha Eun-woo, a member of ASTRO, is embroiled in allegations of tax evasion and use of a paper company while serving in the military. A current lawyer indicates the possibility of military investigation in this context.
On January 30th, during YTN Radio's 'Lee Won-hwa's Case X-Files,' the lawyer discussed the situation regarding Cha Eun-woo, emphasizing that even with his military status, evading investigation could prove difficult. Last year, the Seoul Regional Tax Office conducted a rigorous tax audit on Cha Eun-woo, leading to a notice of 20 billion won in tax arrears. The tax office suspects he used a management company run by his mother to evade personal income taxes, raising questions of it being a paper company.
Currently serving in the military, Cha Eun-woo could face summons through direct visits by investigative agencies or during leave periods, according to lawyer Kim Jeong-ki. This applies even if the alleged crimes occurred during his civilian days. Furthermore, content featuring Cha Eun-woo on National Defense Broadcasting KFN has been made private, and a petition has been filed to reconsider his position in the military band. Kim also noted that military commanding officers hold authority over personnel matters, potentially allowing for a reassignment of Cha Eun-woo's duties. His agency, Fantagio, announced they are confirming the facts and will take responsible actions following any legal or administrative decisions.
Cha Eun-woo's current military service puts this incident at the forefront of his career, and the outcome of the tax investigation may significantly impact his public image and future activities. This situation emphasizes how crucial public perception and image management can be for entertainers.
As a military serviceman and a leading member of ASTRO, Cha Eun-woo now faces the challenge of maintaining open communication with fans while navigating this crisis. He must prioritize restoring trust among his supporters, especially given the heightened negative perception surrounding him at present.
This incident serves to highlight the blurred lines between an entertainer's personal affairs and legal responsibilities. Even though the allegations are personal, they affect not only him but also the group he represents and the public perspective on them. The long-term ramifications for Cha Eun-woo’s career as this situation unfolds remain an important aspect to monitor closely.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
