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Cha Eun-woo pays 20 billion won penalty and issues apology, claims 'sole responsibility' for tax scandal

Published: 08 Apr. 2026, 21:48

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Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo poses during a press conference at Conrad Seoul hotel in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul on Dec. 22, 2022. [YONHAP]

Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo issued an apology over his tax evasion scandal and said he had paid the full amount — 20 billion won ($13.6 million) — owed in a statement on Wednesday.

Cha had been facing tax evasion allegations after the National Tax Service (NTS) notified Cha of additional income tax assessments exceeding 20 billion won in January this year.

“I sincerely apologize for disappointing my fans and letting down the public over my recent tax issues,” said Cha in a statement posted on his Instagram account on Wednesday. “I respect the procedures and the decision of the NTS and have paid the full owed amount to prevent further issues.”

The scandal started when NTS alleged the star had set up a corporation using a family member's name to avoid paying income taxes. Despite the star insisting it was not intentional, NTS viewed it as such and therefore imposed a 20 billion won penalty on the star.

“I established the corporation as a means to stabilize my career during a very troubling time. However, in retrospect, I was not thinking it through during the process, and I bear sole responsibility, not my family nor the company.”

He also expressed his willingness to abide by all remaining procedures.

“I am solely responsible for all the shortcomings,” said Cha. “I will not hide behind excuses, saying I was not aware.”

Cha, whose real name is Lee Dong-min, debuted as an actor in 2014 in the film “My Brilliant Life” (2014). He subsequently debuted as a K-pop idol on Feb. 23, 2016 as a member of the boy band Astro with its EP “Spring Up” (2016).

BY LEE JI-WON [[email protected]]