The agency emphasizes that the new restaurant has no direct ties to Cha Eun-woo's family.
Amid tax evasion controversies surrounding Cha Eun-woo's family, Fantagio continues its business expansion.
[TV Daily] Fantagio, home to actor and singer Cha Eun-woo, has officially filed a trademark for its new eel restaurant, 'Yesterday's Eel Cheongdam.' However, the agency emphasizes that this establishment is unrelated to Cha's family.
According to a report by Star News on February 4, Fantagio's subsidiary, FantagioM, applied for trademark rights for 'Yesterday's Eel Cheongdam' last November and is currently awaiting examination. Founded in July of last year to develop new talent and idols, the company has since expanded its business into the food and beverage sector, with the eel restaurant being a part of this new endeavor.
Opened at the end of last year, 'Yesterday's Eel Cheongdam' is located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, with its corporate address recently changed to match the restaurant's location. A representative explained that the address change was necessary for official registration and was undertaken to prepare for the grand opening, including interior renovations. The name of the new restaurant draws inspiration from 'Yesterday's Charcoal Eel,' which was previously run by Cha's mother and recently ceased operations. Despite this connection, Fantagio denies any allegations linking the restaurant to Cha Eun-woo's family amid ongoing controversies surrounding tax evasion. The agency asserts that their staff has frequented the prior establishment and desired to preserve its legacy, as they greatly valued the quality of the food. Currently, 'Yesterday's Eel Cheongdam' operates independently through FantagioM.
The recent tax evasion controversy surrounding Cha Eun-woo's family has shifted focus onto Fantagio's new business expansion efforts. While the name 'Yesterday's Eel Cheongdam' is derived from a former restaurant owned by Cha's mother, Fantagio is adamant about distancing itself from any familial connections. This is particularly significant as Cha Eun-woo is currently serving in the military, interpreted as an effort to assuage the concerns of fans and the public.
FantagioM’s establishment reflects a clearer direction and purpose, with plans not only for talent development but also an entrance into the food and beverage sector, showcasing a broad vision beyond merely nurturing idols. This development suggests that the company is contemplating diverse business models that could lay the groundwork for the next generation of artists.
Fan reactions are also noteworthy. Supporters of Cha Eun-woo will be evaluating how to interpret his image in relation to this new brand. This relationship could greatly influence the success of the new restaurant. Depending on how Fantagio shapes its strategy, there’s potential for the brand to build a strong identity that may lead to significant business success in the future, making the forthcoming results quite anticipated.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
