ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo's company faced a tax investigation, relocating to Seoul on the same day. He apologized for the concerns caused.
January/29/2026 12:21Related Groups & Members
It was confirmed that the Ganghwa County office conducted a local investigation on A Corporation, established by ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo's mother. Furthermore, it became clear that the corporation changed its location to Gangnam District in Seoul on the same day the investigation was conducted. According to reports from Korean media yesterday (28th), the Ganghwa County office conducted a local investigation on A Corporation, which was registered as a location for an eel restaurant in Incheon Ganghwa County on the 26th. At the site, traces of office use and equipment for business execution were not confirmed. Additionally, it was reported that A Corporation completed the transfer procedure from Ganghwa County on the day of the investigation, and the address change application to the Gangnam District office was accepted and processed on the same day. Currently, the corporation's location is in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul. Prior to this, it was revealed that Cha Eun-woo was investigated last year by the Seoul Regional Tax Office for tax evasion suspicion, receiving a notification for additional income tax of about 20 billion won (approximately 20 million yen), causing a ripple effect. Amidst this, on the same day the local investigation and address change occurred, Cha Eun-woo apologized through his SNS, stating, 'I sincerely apologize for causing concern and disappointment to many due to various matters related to me recently. I reflect deeply on whether my attitude towards the obligation to pay taxes as a citizen of Korea was sufficiently strict.' Regarding the suggestion that he enlisted to avoid tax evasion allegations, he explained, 'It was not a deliberate choice to avoid this controversy. Last year, I reached a point where I could no longer postpone my military enlistment and had to enlist without completing the tax investigation procedures.' On the 27th, his agency, Fantagio, issued a second official comment, stating, 'The matters currently raised are in the stage of confirming the facts according to the procedures of the tax authorities, and both the agency and the artist are sincerely approaching the investigation within the necessary scope. In the future, if legal and administrative judgments become clear, we will responsibly fulfill necessary measures based on the results.'
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ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo is under investigation for alleged tax evasion amounting to 20 billion won. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed a tax reassessment of 8.2 billion won, correcting earlier reports. Fantagio stated the main issue is whether a corporation established by Cha's mother is subject to taxation and plans to clarify legal interpretations while ensuring proper management of their artists moving forward.
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ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo is embroiled in tax evasion allegations, resulting in the removal of his videos from the military's YouTube channel and advertisements from brands like Shinhan Bank. The controversy centers on a company linked to his mother, deemed a paper company by tax authorities. Cha Eun-woo is cooperating with investigations and has expressed willingness to accept the final judgment.
Arden Cho, who voiced a character in 'KPOP Girls! Demon Hunters,' publicly supported Cha Eun-woo following his apology about a tax issue. Cha Eun-woo expressed regret for causing concern and promised to handle tax matters responsibly. Their friendship has grown through various projects, and Cho previously sent him encouragement before his military service.
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.
Cha Eun-woo of ASTRO is being investigated for tax evasion involving 20 billion won, related to a family business established by his mother. The local government is examining the company's operations and potential illegalities, including tax structure and compliance issues. Cha Eun-woo previously faced scrutiny from the tax office for similar allegations, with significant tax penalties imposed. His agency has requested a review of the tax office's decisions regarding the case.
