Singer-actor Cha Eun-woo said on social media Wednesday that he has paid off all taxes at the center of tax evasion allegations. Currently serving mandatory military service, he apologized again to fans and took responsibility. He had received additional income tax assessments exceeding 20 billion won ($13.6 million) from the National Tax Service in January.
Singer-actor Cha Eun-woo, currently serving mandatory military service, posted on social media Wednesday that he has paid all taxes related to allegations of large-scale tax evasion. "I sincerely apologize for causing disappointment and confusion to many people, including my fans, with the recent tax controversy surrounding me," he wrote. "I respect the National Tax Service's procedures and outcome, and have paid all the related taxes so that the confusion does not continue."
In January, Cha was notified by the National Tax Service of additional income tax assessments exceeding 20 billion won ($13.6 million), sparking suspicions of tax evasion. He apologized at the time and pledged to cooperate with tax authorities.
"As I have received the love and support of many people, this issue hits me more heavily and deeply," Cha added. "If there was anything that I didn't properly take care of, that responsibility also falls on me. I will not evade it by saying 'I didn't know' or 'It was someone else's judgment.'"
Addressing claims that he benefited from a lower tax rate through a management contract with a company established by his mother, Cha explained: "At a time when I was experiencing various changes and confusion during my career, (my mother) established the company as part of preparations for a more stable career. Looking back, there were areas that I didn't properly take care of in that process, and the responsibility lies not with my family or company, but with me." The Korea Times and Yonhap News Agency reported.
