Which Korean celebrities have been “good” about paying taxes?
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Amid ASTRO Cha Eunwoo‘s massive ₩20.0 billion KRW (about $13.8 million USD) tax evasion scandal, drawing public attention to tax compliance in the Korean entertainment business, the spotlight is now on his fellow celebrities who have been “exemplary” in their tax-paying.
ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo Accused Of Tax Evasion Totaling Up To $13.7 Million USD
In Korea, the National Tax Service honors individuals who have faithfully paid their taxes and made significant contributions to national finances on “Taxpayers’ Day.” Celebrities who have been diligent in paying their taxes are selected and awarded the title of “exemplary taxpayers,” and over the years, it has become customary for those celebrities to serve as National Tax Service ambassadors.
So, which Korean celebrities have been “good” about paying taxes?
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Looking at records from the past 10 years, the most recent, in 2025, saw actors Ji Jin Hee and Park Ha Sun receive the Presidential Commendations, demonstrating the value of diligent tax compliance. In 2024, actors Han Hyo Joo and Hwang Jung Min were honored, while in 2023, Kim Soo Hyun and Song Ji Hyo were awarded and appointed as ambassadors.
Actors Ji Jin Hee (left) and Park Ha Sun (right) | Sports Seoul
Actress Ha Ji Won even set a rare record by being selected again as an exemplary taxpayer in 2024, ten years after first receiving a Presidential Commendation in 2014, making it her second honor.
Other exemplary taxpayers include Lee Seung Gi and Jo Bo Ah in 2022, Jo Jung Suk and Park Min Young in 2021, Lee Seo Jin and IU in 2020, Lee Je Hoon and Seo Hyun Jin in 2019, Ha Jung Woo and Kim Hye Soo in 2018, Yoo Hae Jin and Sung Yuri in 2017, and Jo In Sung and Choi Ji Woo in 2016.
| Tax Watch
Exemplary taxpayers who receive Presidential Commendations are granted various benefits, including a three-year exemption from tax audits, waivers of collateral requirements for payment extensions, and priority treatment at airports for immigration procedures. With the emergence of the alleged ₩20.0 billion KRW (about $13.8 million USD) additional tax assessment involving the troubled K-Pop idol, the value of stars who have built trust through consistently exemplary tax practices is being viewed even more highly within the entertainment industry.
Read more:
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