Cha Eun-woo Accused of Tax Evasion Worth Over 2 Billion Won; Agent Files Appeal After NTS Investigation

Cha Eun-woo, a member of Astro, has been investigated by the National Tax Service (NTS) for tax evasion involving amounts exceeding 2 billion won, as he used a company registered under his mother’s name to distribute his entertainment income and avoid taxes. The NTS began its investigation in the spring of 2025 and recently issued a tax assessment notice. Cha’s agent has submitted a pre-tax review request regarding this decision and is awaiting the outcome.

The company founded by Cha’s mother had a contract with Fantagio, which allocated Cha’s entertainment income to him, Fantagio, and the company according to agreed-upon percentages. The NTS determined that the company was established without actual business operations solely to take advantage of a reduced corporate tax rate of around 20%, resulting in significant tax savings compared to the standard income tax rate of 45%. The company’s registered address was initially on Ganghwa Island in Incheon but was changed to an office in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in December 2024.

The NTS conducted separate interviews with Cha and his mother and confirmed that the profits generated by the company actually belonged to Cha. The amount of income tax Cha evaded exceeded 2 billion won. In response, Fantagio stated that the company was a legally registered entity in the field of cultural and artistic planning.

Cha Eun-woo debuted as a member of Astro before transitioning to acting. He has appeared in several popular dramas such as “My ID is Gangnam Beauty” (2018), “Descendants of the Sun” (2020–2021), and “Wonderful World” (2024).

Cha’s agent said in a statement that the matter has not yet been officially finalized or notified, and they plan to provide a detailed explanation through legal channels. Cha promised to continue fulfilling his tax reporting and legal obligations as a citizen. He is scheduled to complete his military service in January 2027.