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"

Kim Seonho's next melodrama with Suzy in jeopardy? ... 'Delusion' side: "Release schedule hasn't been decided yet"

SOURCE: 김선호, ♥수지와 멜로 차기작 비상?…'현혹' 측 "공개 일정 미정" [공식]

As Kim Seonho faces allegations of tax evasion, production team of Disney+ 'Delusion' shared a cautious statement regarding its release schedule.

A representative from Disney+ told Xports News on the 3rd, "The specific release date for 'Delusion' hasn't been confirmed yet. We will let you know if there are any updates."

'Delusion' is set in Gyeongseong in 1935. The drama follows the story of Yoon Yiho, a painter who is commissioned to paint the portrait of Song Junghwa, a mysterious and alluring woman who hasn't been seen for over 50 years. It will be directed by Han Jaerim, known for his previous work 'Emergency declaration,' and starred by Kim Seonho and Suzy as the least, making it a highly anticipated project.

'Delusion' was included in the Disney+ release lineup for this year, but no specific date had been announced yet. Recently, speculation has arisen that the release schedule might be affected by the allegations of tax evasion surrounding the lead actor, Kim Seonho.

Previously, a news outlet reported that Kim Seonho started and operated a theater production company registered at his home address in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Reports claimed that the company paid monthly salaries ranging from several million to tens of millions KRW to his parents and that his parents used the company credit card for living expenses and entertainment costs, sparking suspicions of tax evasion.

Regarding this, Fantagio stated, "The company in question was established for theater production and related activities. It was not created with the intention of reducing or evading tax deliberately." They added, "Since he moved agencies, there has been no business activities for about a year. The company is currently in the process of being shut down." However, rather than settling the issue, this explanation has only intensified the controversy.

Meanwhile, besides 'Delusion,' Kim Seonho is also awaiting the release of the six-episode drama 'Unfriend,' in which he stars alongside Park Gyuyoung. He is also set to star in the upcoming tvN drama 'May the Congressman Protect You.'

Continue reading Kim Seonho's next melodrama with Suzy in jeopardy? ... 'Delusion' side: "Release schedule hasn't been decided yet"

Barbie Hsu's younger sister: "Goo Junyeop is a man who desires nothing but love ... I'm truly thankful"

SOURCE: 故서희원 동생 "구준엽, 사랑 외엔 그 무엇도 탐하지 않는 사람…진심으로 감사" 눈물

Barbie Hsu's younger sister, Dee Hsu, expressed her gratitude toward her brother-in-law, Goo Junyeop.

On the 2nd, according to the Taiwanese media ETtoday, Dee Hsu said, "I'm truly thankful to my brother-in-law," at the unveiling ceremony for Barbie Hsu's memorial statue in Chin Pao San Memorial Park, Taiwan.

On that day, Goo Junyeop, along with Barbie Hsu's family, relatives, and close friends, gathered at the ceremony to mark the first anniversary of her passing. The memorial statue was designed by Goo Junyeop himself, who has also worked as an artist, to show his love for his late wife. Beside the statue, there was a silver memorial stone engraved with the letter 'S' for Barbie Hsu, conveying the message, "I will remember you forever."

Dee Hsu cried several times during her speech as she expressed her gratitude to Goo Junyeop. She said, "I want to thank my brother-in-law Goo Junyeop for designing such a beautiful statue for my sister. I hope that everyone who loves her can come here to see her and talk to her whenever they miss her."

As it rained during the ceremony, as if even the sky were mourning, Dee Hsu tried to lighten the mood by joking, "If it had been bright and sunny today, that wouldn't have suited my sister's style."

Dee Hsu confessed that whenever she feels overwhelmed by the deep sadness over losing her sister, she feels better by remembering that Goo Junyeop was by her sister's side during the last three years of her life.

Dee Hsu described Goo Junyeop, saying, "He is someone who truly loves my sister. He wants nothing. He desires nothing but love." She continued, "It helps me going to know that there was a person who protected my sister with a pure and simple heart, with no calculations, stray thoughts, or impurities. That is why I'm so thankful to him," which reportedly moved everyone to tears.

TV personality Kevin Tsai, who was known to have been a close friend of Barbie Hsu during her life time, also shared his feelings. He said, "Today I saw your statue. Bronze and marble. Both are strong materials. As I looked at it, I quietly sighed in my heart. You deserved to be taken care of, but fate decided that you had to be strong. Then let us be strong, my friend. Even death can't erase the beautiful traces you left behind. There is no strength more beautiful than this."

After unveiling the memorial statue, Goo Junyeop shared a heartbreaking letter to his wife on Instagram. In the letter, he wrote, "To my eternal love, my everything, Barbie. When I sit blankly on the corner of the bed in an empty room in the morning, I still wonder whether if this is real or just a dream... As I wish it were a dream, my heart feels heavy and painful." He continued, "My Barbie... Barbie. When we meet again next time, let's be together forever and ever. I miss you. I miss you to death."

Continue reading Barbie Hsu's younger sister: "Goo Junyeop is a man who desires nothing but love ... I'm truly thankful"

The coat Goo Junyeop wore is a gift from the late Barbie Hsu 27 years ago ... A tearful 1st anniversary

SOURCE: [종합] 구준엽이 입은 코트=27년전 故서희원이 준 선물…눈물의 1주기

Goo Junyeop wore a coat he received as a gift on the first anniversary of the late Barbie Hsu's passing.

On the 2nd, Taiwanese singer and MC Matilda Tao posted a long message on her personal channel, sharing her feelings about the unveiling ceremony of the late Barbie Hsu's memorial statue.

She wrote, "The wind and rain were strong. The ocean waves were also rough all the way there. It was hard to imagine how Goo Junyeop, Barbie Hsu's husband, traveled this lonely road every day."

She added, "Goo Junyeop was wearing a coat that Barbie Hsu gave him 27 years ago. Barbie Hsu's mother also showed the shoes her daughter gave her," confirming that the coat Goo Junyeop wore at the ceremony was a present Barbie Hsu had given him during her lifetime.

Goo Junyeop previously appeared on SBS' 'Dolsing Fourmen', where he shared his love story with Barbie Hsu and revealed that he had kept the coat for 23 years. At the time, he said, "There's a coat at my place that Barbie bought for me 23 years ago. I couldn't bring myself to throw it away."

He also expressed his deep affection for the late Barbie Hsu, saying, "When we got married, there was something I returned to her. There was a mirror she had left behind when she visited South Korea 23 years ago. I gave it back to her when we got married."

At the statue unveiling ceremony, Goo Junyeop wore the coat and said, "Barbie, I miss you," moving everyone present to tears. He also cried in front of family and friends, drawing deep sympathy.

Meanwhile, Barbie Hsu passed away suddenly from acute pneumonia on February 2 last year while traveling in Japan, three years after marrying Goo Junyeop.

Continue reading The coat Goo Junyeop wore is a gift from the late Barbie Hsu 27 years ago ... A tearful 1st anniversary

Kim Seonho, like Cha Eunwoo, received payments through a company

SOURCE: [단독] 김선호도 차은우처럼, 법인으로 정산금 받았다

On the 3rd, it was confirmed that Kim Seonho received payments for his entertainment activities through 'SH2,' a one-person company he started in January 2024, while still under his previous agency.

The reason Kim Seonho went so far to create a company to receive payments is being described as 'tax laundering.' If the income were recorded under Kim Seonho as an individual, an income tax rate of up to 49.5% would apply. However, if it was treated as the company's income, he would benefit from a corporate tax of up to 19%.

An official from his previous agency stated, "We simply just transferred the payment into the account he asked for."

This is considered as a clear act of tax avoidance, not tax saving, by taking advantages of differences in tax rates. Since the company's registered address is the same as Kim Seonho's residence, it is suspected to be a 'paper company.' Therefore, there is a high chance that all the money received through this company will be seen as 'diverted income.'

Lawyer Noh Jong-eon from Law Firm Jonjae stated, "Looking at the cases of Cha Eunwoo and Kim Seonho, moving income through unregistered companies is a key factor that undermines transparent tax management. It's time for relevant authorities to do thorough investigations and strict oversight in order to stop tax evasion that exploits these legal loopholes."

The explanation provided by his agency, Fantagio, also ended up backfiring him.

On the 1st, Fantagio responded to the tax evasion allegations surrounding Kim Seonho, saying, "The former one-person company was established for theater production and related activities. It was absolutely not established with the intention of reducing or evading tax deliberately."

Kim Seonho also failed to complete the mandatory registration as 'Popular Culture and Arts Planning Business.' Receiving payments (management revenue) without being registered constitutes a violation of the 'Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act' and may result in imprisonment of up to 2 years.

Lawyer Noh added, "Looking at Cha Eunwoo and Kim Seonho's cases, it's becoming clear that their failure to register as a 'Popular Culture and Arts Planning Business' is more than just a simple administrative mistake. It is being used by high-income celebrities as a way to avoid taxes."

Regarding this, Fantagio stated, "It is true that he temporarily received payments (from his previous agency) after the company was established."

Continue reading Kim Seonho, like Cha Eunwoo, received payments through a company

Kim Seonho's former agency: "We just transferred money to the place he asked for"

SOURCE: 김선호 前 소속사 측 "배우가 요청한 곳에 정산금 입금했을 뿐" [공식]

It has been confirmed that Kim Seonho received payments for his entertainment activities through a one-person company he established in January 2024 during his time with his previous agency.

Kim Seonho is reported to have received the money under that company's name instead of his own name. If he took the money as personal income, an income tax rate of up to 49.5% would apply. However, by taking it as the company's income, the maximum corporate tax rate of 19% would apply, which significantly reduce the tax burden.

The former agency told TV Daily, "We just transferred money to the place he asked for."

However, suspicions have been raised that the company might be a 'paper company' with no real business activities because it's registered address is the same as Kim Seonho's residence. In such a case, receiving payments through the company could be seen as a way to avoid personal taxes.

Additionally, it has been confirmed that Kim Seonho did not register his company as 'Popular Culture and Arts Planning Business,' which is required by law to receive management-related payments. Receiving management-related payments without this registration may constitute a violation of the law and could lead to criminal punishment.

Continue reading Kim Seonho's former agency: "We just transferred money to the place he asked for"