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.'
Related Articles
Amid tax avoidance allegations against stars like ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo, the Korean Management Association urges reforms. They argue that the current tax system misinterprets personal corporations as mere tax evasion tools, failing to recognize their legitimate business roles in managing artists' careers and intellectual properties.
Yoon San-ha celebrates his birthday with the third installment of his concert series, 'SANiGHT Project #3', in Korea and Japan. The concerts will take place on March 21 in Seoul, April 10 in Osaka, and April 12 in Tokyo, allowing him to connect meaningfully with fans while reflecting on his journey and promises.
The release date for Netflix's 'Wonderfools,' starring ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo, is planned for Q2 2023, but no specific date has been confirmed. Netflix denied reports of a May 15 release, stating discussions are ongoing. The series features a comedic action adventure plot set in 1999, with Cha Eun-woo and Park Eun-bin in lead roles.
The Korean Taxpayers Alliance has raised concerns about a tax information leak involving ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo. They plan to report unnamed tax officials and the journalist who first reported the leak for violations of privacy laws and public secrets. The Alliance emphasizes the illegality of such leaks and calls for a thorough investigation by the National Tax Service.
Chanu's advertising model contract with LG U+ has concluded. He was under investigation for tax issues last year, resulting in a large tax bill. LG U+ stated the contract ended due to the completion of the term and has no plans for renewal. This situation has sparked considerable discussion in the entertainment industry.
Amid tax evasion allegations against ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo, his agency clarifies that the eel restaurant linked to his family is a separate entity. Fantagio states that the restaurant in Cheongdam is not connected to the one in Ganghwa Island, and the claims of a connection are unfounded. The controversy centers on the legitimacy of a corporation established by Cha's mother, which the tax office deemed a 'paper company.'
January was eventful in the Korean entertainment scene, featuring BTS's comeback announcement and world tour dates, 2PM's Taecyeon revealing his fiancée's name during a live broadcast, BLACKPINK's Jennie's controversial birthday party, and ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo facing a tax scandal while in military service.
The Korean Taxpayer Alliance has defended ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo regarding a tax evasion allegation of approximately 20 billion won, arguing that presumption of innocence should be upheld. They criticized media assumptions about his mother's company being a shell corporation and highlighted the importance of taxpayer rights and proper legal processes.
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.
ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo is embroiled in a tax evasion scandal involving 20 billion won. His agency, Fantagio, has also been hit with an 8.5 billion won tax penalty. Cha Eun-woo stated he did not intend to avoid the tax investigation while serving in the military. Fantagio expressed responsibility and urged against speculation.
