ASTRO member and K-drama star, Cha Eun Woo is facing an investigation over alleged tax evasion, according to The Chosun Daily. On the 22nd, a South Korean media outlet reported that the National Tax Service (NTS) had notified Cha Eun Woo of a massive tax reassessment worth over 20 billion won, ($13.6 million) linked to alleged income tax evasion.
This amount is said to be the largest tax reassessment ever imposed on a South Korean celebrity. As the controversy spread, criticism also grew online, with some accusing him of joining the military to shield himself from public backlash.
Cha Eun Woo faces major tax evasion allegations
The same day, Eun Woo’s agency, Fantagio stepped in to address the issue. The agency said it will fully cooperate with tax authorities to clarify the matter and resolve the process as quickly as possible. Fantagio said the issue is a legal matter, not wrongdoing, focusing on whether the company set up by Cha Eun Woo’s mother should be taxed. The agency emphasised it will fully follow legal procedures to clarify its position and resolve the matter properly.
Earlier in the day, Edaily stated that Eun Woo had already been under a high-level tax investigation in the spring of last year, well before his military enlistment. The investigation was carried out by Investigation Division 4 of the Seoul Regional Office of the National Tax Service, known for handling serious tax cases.
According to The Korea Times, the report explained that a company founded by Cha’s mother had signed a service contract with Fantagio to support his entertainment activities. Under this arrangement, the True Beauty star’s earnings were reportedly divided among Fantagio, the company, and Eun Woo himself. However, tax authorities are said to have viewed the company as a paper company, raising red flags during their review.
Fantagio issues statement
In its official statement, Fantagio said, “The key issue is whether a company established by Cha’s mother qualifies as a legitimate subject of taxation.” The agency added that it plans to clarify its position by following the law and working through the proper legal channels. “The company will actively clarify its position through appropriate legal procedures concerning the interpretation and application of tax law.”
[📢] Hello, this is Fantagio.
— CHA EUNWOO 차은우 INTERNATIONAL (@ChaEunwooINTL) January 22, 2026
We would like to share our official statement regarding the article published today concerning the tax audit involving our agency’s artist, Cha Eunwoo.
The key issue in this matter is whether the corporation established by Cha Eunwoo’s mother…
Fantagio also made it clear that Cha Eun Woo is fully engaged in the process and has no intention of avoiding scrutiny. The agency said both the actor and his tax representatives will cooperate completely until the matter is resolved.
“Cha Eun-woo and his tax representatives will fully cooperate throughout the process to ensure it is concluded as swiftly as possible, and he will continue to faithfully fulfill all tax reporting and legal obligations as a law-abiding citizen.”