The scandal has made headlines recently.
Koreaboo
1 hour ago
Recently, ASTRO‘s Cha Eunwoo has been at the center of an investigation into his finances.
ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo | Fantagio
The idol has been accused of owing ₩20.0 billion KRW (about $13.8 million USD) in taxes and using his mother’s restaurant to aid in the evasion. As a result of the scandal, the idol has already faced consequences, including his removal from multiple advertisements, as investigations continue.
Dispatch Reveals ASTRO Cha Eunwoo’s Entire Family Is Involved His ₩20 Billion KRW Tax Evasion Case
The rest of the industry has seemingly taken notice, based on reactions from other stars including members of NCT.
On January 23, NCT DREAM had activities in Japan and afterward, members Jeno and Jaemin held a live stream at their hotel.
NCT’s Jaemin (left) and Jeno (right) | @nct_dream
At one point during the live, as the two were reading comments, a fan commented “pay your taxes well.” Jaemin saw the comment and read it outloud, and the two idols responded by saying they were paying them diligently and laughing.
와진짜존나웃기네
재민제노 세금성실납부자랍니다 pic.twitter.com/V1IcdBhQ2c
— .. (@ssukiswag) January 24, 2026
Jaemin: “Pay your taxes”?Jeno: Of courseJaemin: Yes, we’ve been paying diligently.
Many K-netizens found the comments funny, and commented so in a viral forum post.
- “It really seems like he said that unconsciously, LMAOOOO it’s so funny LMAOOOO”
- “So damn funny LMAOOOO isn’t it hilarious? LMAOOOO”
- “I hate all men, but this is just ridiculously funny… there are so many crazy people…”
International netizens also thought their reaction was related to the ongoing scandal, and reacted, seeing it as “shade.”
The Cha Eunwoo shade that fan is messyy😭 https://t.co/Mb7zdPF5fL
— jj💫 (@jdreamiez) January 24, 2026
the eunwoo shade omg😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/kRNMujcvfA
— ava (is seeing ari ♡) (@doyosangel) January 24, 2026
not the cha eunwoo shade😭 https://t.co/7iMV4pEeNA
— Sai loves Jaemin💞💖💝 (@aigoo_nana31) January 24, 2026