K-drama star and ASTRO member Cha Eunwoo has once again spoken up about tax evasion accusations he faced earlier this year. The idol has now posted a second apology letter on his social media account, admitting that he is responsible for the tax-related controversy. Eunwoo, who is currently carrying out mandatory military service, also informed his fans that he has paid off all taxes at the center of allegations.
What is the tax controversy around Cha Eunwoo?
In January, Cha Eunwoo was reported to have been notified by the tax service of additional income tax assessments exceeding 20 billion won (USD 13.6 million), raising suspicions of tax evasion. According to a Korean news outlet Korea Joongang Daily, 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. He apologized at the time and promised to cooperate with the tax authorities.
Cha Eunwoo admits his sole responsibility in apology letter
Now, taking to his Instagram, he issued a second apology, and wrote, “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.”“As I have received the love and support of many people, this issue hits me more heavily and deeply,” Cha wrote Wednesday. “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.'”
