ASTRO

To combat tax evasion and improve transparency in the entertainment industry, South Korean lawmakers are proposing a new law requiring agencies to report their operations annually. This comes amid controversies involving artists like Cha Eun-woo, who is under investigation for tax issues. The law aims to hold accountable those with criminal records related to tax offenses.

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.