Cha Eunwoo's income is over 100 billion KRW ... Former National Tax Service Investigator: "There's a possibility he could become a convicted offender"

SOURCE: 차은우, 수익만 '1000억↑'…前 국세청 조사관 "전과자 될 가능성 有" [RE:뷰]

On January 31, a video titled '20 billion KRW is not the end: Former investigator of the National Tax Service explains the true nature of Cha Eunwoo's tax evasion case' was posted on the Youtube channel 'CIRCLE 21.' 

In the video, Jung Haein, a former investigator of National Tax Service and a current executive at a tax accounting firm, explained, "The main issue is whether the income that should've been reported as personal income was instead processed as company income." 

He added, "The highest personal tax rate is about 50%, while the corporate tax is around 20%. From the National Tax Service's perspective, they have to ask, 'Why was an income that should've been taxed at 50% only taxed at 20%?'" 

He further noted that while celebrity cases are normally handled by Investigation Bureau 2, Investigation Bureau 4 may become involved when the amounts are exceptionally large.

Jung Haein stated, "We don't know the exact income, but if it's over 100 billion KRW, it falls into a range that requires a strict investigation." He guessed, "While it's not certain, but Cha Eunwoo's income might be over 100 billion KRW." 

He continued, "A real company must have clear evidence of employees, an office, and actual business activity. If it's a 'paper company' with no substance, it could be seen as a tool to reduce personal income tax." He emphasized, "In this case, it may be judged as tax evasion rather than tax saving."

He also addressed the possibility of penalties and the chance of being reported to the police. Jung Haein stated, "A simple underreporting carries a fine of 10%, but if you lie on purpose, the fine goes up to 40%." He added, "If Investigation Bureau 4 is involved, the investigation may be conducted with criminal referral in mind. If the case is referred, the possibility of a criminal record can't be ruled out." 

He stressed, "The response strategy is very important. Admitting the mistakes early and apologizing might be the best way to save his image. If he only focuses on defending himself with a law firm, the public might think he is 'denying the tax evasion.'"

It is reported that Cha Eunwoo underwent an investigation by Investigation Bureau 4 of the Seoul Regional Tax Office last spring and was notified of an additional tax assessment exceeding 20 billion KRW. This is considered an exceptionally large amount even among tax penalties imposed on celebrities.

Similar controversy is spreading to another actor as well. Recently, Kim Seonho also faces allegations of tax evasion related to the payments he received through his one-person company. His agency stated that he 'followed legal and tax procedures,' but the controversy continues after it was revealed that he received payments through the one-person company during his time with his former agency. As both actors have new projects coming up, attention is now focused on how these tax issues surrounding the two actors may change the way celebrities use companies.

Continue reading Cha Eunwoo's income is over 100 billion KRW ... Former National Tax Service Investigator: "There's a possibility he could become a convicted offender"

Kim Seonho's reps: "Deeply reflecting on the family company controversy ... Additional taxes are paid and the business is in the process of being closed"

SOURCE: 김선호 측 "가족 법인 논란 깊이 반성…세금 추가 납부 및 폐업 진행"[전문]

Fantagio has once again addressed the recent controversy surrounding Kim Seonho's one-person company. The agency apologized for the trouble caused by the lack of understanding of how to run a company.

On the 4th, Fantagio released an official statement explaining the background behind the establishment of Kim Seonho's one-person company and the measures currently being taken. The agency stated, "Kim Seonho established the company in January 2024 for acting activities and theater production. He received settlements for his activities through that company until he signed an exclusive contract with Fantagio in February 2025."

Regarding the controversy, the agency explained, "After realizing that running the company could cause misunderstandings, there have been no real business activities through that company for over a year."

In particular, the agency also addressed the allegations of tax evasion and personal use of money, emphasizing, "We took action early to correct the mistakes that was made due the lack of understanding of how to run a company." According to the company, Kim Seonho has returned all money from the past company card he used, the salaries paid, and also the company vehicle. In addition, regarding the income he previously received from the one-person company, Fantagio added, "In addition, the extra personal income tax has now been fully paid as well on top of the corporate tax."

The one-person company is currently going through administrative procedures of closing down, and it will be finished soon. Fantagio clarified, "Since signing an exclusive contract with Kim Seonho in February 2025, settlement payments have been transferred directly to him as an individual. His activities with our agency are completely unrelated to the one-person company."

In closing, the agency stated, "Kim Seonho is deeply reflecting on having established and running the one-person company while not fully understanding how it works. We sincerely bow our heads in apology for causing confusion and concern to fans and the public."

The controversy began on the 1st, when Sports Kyunghyang reported that Kim Seonho had established and operated a one-person company registered at his home address in Yongsan-gu, with his parents listed as the executives. The report raised suspicions of income diversion and tax evasion, claiming that Kim Seonho paid fake salaries to his parents through the company and used the company card for personal use. The issue further intensified as it followed closely after news that his labelmate, Cha Eunwoo, was recently hit with a large tax penalty over a similar family-owned company structure.

Below is the full statement from Fantagio:

Hello, this is Fantagio, the agency for actor Kim Seonho.

We would like to share additional facts and our official position regarding Kim Seonho's one-person company mentioned in recent reports.

Establishment and Operation of the Company
Kim Seonho established the one-person company in January 2024 for acting activities and theater production.
Following its establishment in January 2024, settlements for his activities were paid through this one-person company until he signed an exclusive contract with Fantagio in February 2025.

Suspension of the Company's Operations
After Kim Seonho realized that running the company could cause misunderstandings, there have been no real business activities through that company for over a year.

Exclusive Contract with Fantagio
Since signing an exclusive contract with Kim Seonho in February 2025, settlement payments have been transferred directly to him as an individual. We clearly state that his activities with our agency are completely unrelated to the one-person company.

Procedures of Closing the Company
To fix the mistakes that were made due to the lack of understanding of how to run a company, Kim Seonho has returned all money from the past company card he used, the salaries paid, and also the company vehicle. As for the settlements he previously received in the past, he has completed the additional payment of personal income tax on top of the corporate tax. The company is in the process of being closed down, which is expected to be finished soon.

Kim Seonho is deeply reflecting on having established and running the one-person company while not fully understanding how it works. He sincerely bows his head in apology.

We also apologize for causing confusion and concern. We will do our best to manage all aspects of our artists' activities in the future. 

Continue reading Kim Seonho's reps: "Deeply reflecting on the family company controversy ... Additional taxes are paid and the business is in the process of being closed"