Celebrity Settled Amount Only After National Tax Service Confirmed Figures; No Intentional Delay.

Cha Eun-woo took responsibility for issues related to corporate establishment, emphasizing, “If there were parts I failed to properly review, the responsibility lies entirely with me. I will not evade it by saying, ‘I didn’t know’ or ‘it was someone else’s decision,’ regardless of the circumstances.”

Some critics questioned, “Why didn’t you pay quickly instead of dragging it out in a power struggle?” “Why did you avoid responsibility and delay?” “Did you fail to find another way and had to pay reluctantly?” However, according to OSEN’s investigation on the 9th, the system did not allow prepayment. Tax bills had not been issued until recently, so Cha Eun-woo himself was unaware of the confirmed amount of 13 billion Korean won. The widely reported “20 billion Korean won in unpaid taxes” was merely an estimate, not a confirmed figure.

The pre-taxation objection review is not a typical win-or-lose procedure but one determined by whether the objection is accepted. During this process, the tax amount remains unconfirmed, making payment impossible even if desired. Cha Eun-woo’s side received the tax bill only after the review result and immediately completed the payment. There was no intentional delay or avoidance.

While many celebrities faced tax evasion controversies, most reports emerged around the time of the review results. However, Cha Eun-woo’s case was unusual as the article broke early this year, with the “estimated 20 billion Korean won” being treated as a confirmed amount, amplifying the fallout. The fact was that he could not receive the bill stating the confirmed amount until now, not that he delayed payment to avoid taxes.

Cha Eun-woo’s side clarified they never intentionally delayed payment but apologized again for the incident.

On the same day, Fantagio, Cha Eun-woo’s agency, stated, “Part of the paid amount will be adjusted through the National Tax Service’s refund process, and the actual burden is expected to be around 13 billion Korean won, as advised by accountants. The full payment of personal income tax means we will receive refunds for overlapping corporate and value-added taxes previously paid.”

Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo has apologized over tax evasion allegations, with questions arising about why he paid 13 billion Korean won now.

Earlier, Cha Eun-woo directly addressed the issue on his personal SNS on the 8th, stating, “I respect the National Tax Service’s procedures and results, and have paid all related taxes to prevent further confusion. I will also faithfully follow the remaining procedures,” conveying his apology.

Cha Eun-woo took responsibility for issues related to corporate establishment, emphasizing, “If there were parts I failed to properly review, the responsibility lies entirely with me. I will not evade it by saying, ‘I didn’t know’ or ‘it was someone else’s decision,’ regardless of the circumstances.”