Cha Eun-woo of ASTRO pays a tax penalty of 130 billion won, clarifying that the reported amount was initially 200 billion won.
April/9/2026 18:32Related Groups & Members
It has been reported that ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo has fully paid a tax penalty in the 20 billion won range (about 2 billion yen), but it has become clear that the actual payment amount is about 130 billion won (about 1.3 billion yen). A representative from his agency, Fantagio, stated today (the 9th) to My Daily, "A portion of the payment amount is expected to be adjusted according to the National Tax Service's refund procedures, and the actual burden amount will be guided through an accountant to be about 130 billion won." They added, "This is a procedure to receive a refund for the overlapping taxation on the corporate tax and value-added tax that have already been paid in conjunction with the full payment of personal income tax." Previously, Cha Eun-woo underwent a tax investigation by the Seoul Regional National Tax Service last year before his enlistment and was reported to owe a tax penalty of about 200 billion won. This is the highest amount of tax penalty imposed on a celebrity in history. The National Tax Service reportedly determined that the corporation established by Cha Eun-woo's mother was a paper company to apply the corporate tax rate (20%) lower than the personal income tax rate (up to 45%), leading to the tax penalty. After completing the payment of the penalty on the 8th, he stated on social media, "I sincerely apologize for causing disappointment and confusion to many, including my fans," and added, "I will also approach the remaining procedures sincerely." Cha Eun-woo enlisted in July last year and is currently serving in the Army Military Band. His expected discharge date is January 27, 2027.
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