ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo is under investigation for tax evasion linked to a family business, with allegations of illegal operations.
January/26/2026 19:11Related Groups & Members
The Ganghwa County Office has begun an investigation into ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo, who is under suspicion of tax evasion amounting to 20 billion won (approximately 2 billion yen), while serving as an internal director of a family corporation. On the 26th, the Incheon Metropolitan City Ganghwa County Office accepted a public petition related to a limited company established by Cha Eun-woo's mother and started the investigation. Cha Eun-woo serves as an officer of the company. Based on the content of the complaint, the Ganghwa County Office plans to visit the company's address and check the operational status of the buildings. The relevant complaint was accepted through the national petition portal. According to the report, it included the possibility of the company's registration for public cultural arts planning being absent and the failure to change the corporate address. Furthermore, there was a request to confirm whether the company's income attribution and transaction structure were designed and operated in a way that could raise legal issues. Last year, he was investigated by the Seoul Regional Tax Office for tax evasion allegations through a personal planning company established by his mother. The National Tax Service notified him of additional tax assessments exceeding 20 billion won, which is said to be the highest amount imposed on a South Korean celebrity. Cha Eun-woo has been operating under a contract to support entertainment activities with the personal planning company established by his mother and fantagio. It has been revealed that his earned income was evenly distributed among fantagio, the personal planning company, and Cha Eun-woo. The National Tax Service deemed the personal planning company established by his mother as a paper company that does not provide substantial services, concluding that Cha Eun-woo and his mother established the corporation to reduce their income tax rate to apply a corporate tax rate that is 20 percentage points lower than the income tax rate. Cha Eun-woo's side is reportedly requesting a review of the appropriateness of the National Tax Service's decision after receiving the notification.
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fantagio has apologized for the concerns raised about Cha Eun-woo, acknowledging their responsibility in the matter. They are currently investigating tax-related issues in accordance with authorities and will take necessary actions based on legal outcomes. They urge against spreading unverified claims and will strengthen their management systems to prevent future issues.
ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo publicly apologizes for causing worry and disappointment due to tax investigation issues. He reflects on his responsibilities as a citizen and expresses regret over misunderstandings related to his military enlistment. He commits to addressing tax matters sincerely and accepting any consequences from the authorities.
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ASTRO member Cha Eun-woo is facing allegations of tax evasion amounting to 20 billion won. His agency, Fantagio, has not confirmed whether a major law firm has been appointed for legal representation. Reports suggest he may be working with Sejong Law Firm to address the tax authority's claims. Cha Eun-woo is currently serving in the military after enlisting in July 2022.
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ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo is facing allegations of tax evasion amounting to 20 billion won. His agency confirmed he took a vacation recently, which is believed to be a regular break. The investigation involves his mother's company, which the tax office considers a paper company. Cha Eun-woo is currently serving in the military.
Cha Eun-woo of ASTRO is embroiled in tax evasion allegations linked to a management company founded by his mother. The company, registered in June 2022, is suspected of being a shell corporation aimed at tax evasion. The National Tax Service has reported a tax claim exceeding 20 billion won. His agency, Fantagio, stated they will clarify the legal issues involved and cooperate fully with tax authorities.
ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo has been reported to face over 20 billion won in back taxes due to alleged tax evasion. The Seoul National Tax Service suspects his income structure is problematic, involving a paper company. Following the news, the skincare brand Abib has made Cha's promotional videos private, indicating the advertising industry's sensitivity to the allegations. Cha Eun-woo is currently serving in the military and is set to be discharged in January 2027, with a Netflix drama scheduled for release this year.
Cha Eun-woo of ASTRO has been reported to have received a tax notice from the National Tax Service for over 20 billion won, leading to speculation that he enlisted in the military to avoid controversy. His agency, Fantagio, stated they are cooperating with tax authorities and emphasized the case revolves around the legitimacy of a company established by his mother.
