A complaint has been raised again requesting a review of ASTRO member and actor Cha Eunwoo’s military band assignment.
On the 9th, it was revealed that complainant A filed a petition with the Ministry of National Defense through the National Petition Board right after Cha Eunwoo issued an apology concerning the tax surcharge controversy, requesting a reconsideration of his military band assignment.
Cha Eunwoo Admits Responsibility In New Apology After Tax Evasion Scandal
A stated, “If a position with high external representation remains unchanged without any review, it could cause relative deprivation and lower morale among the many soldiers who serve silently on the front lines,” demanding a reassessment of the appropriateness of the assignment.
Previously, A had submitted a similar petition on January 28. At that time, the Ministry of National Defense responded that soldier assignments are comprehensively determined within the command’s authority according to the Military Personnel Act and related regulations, and there would be no discussion of changing the assignment.
On the 8th, Cha Eunwoo apologized on his social media, saying, “I respect the procedures and outcomes of the National Tax Service. I will carefully and strictly review all activities to prevent the same issue from recurring.” He added, “If there were any shortcomings in my oversight, I take full responsibility. I will not avoid it for any reason.”
Additionally, although it was initially reported that he was assessed a tax surcharge in the ₩20.0 billion KRW (about $13.5 million USD) range, the actual amount paid is said to be around ₩13.0 billion KRW (about $8.79 million USD).
ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo Allegedly Receiving Discount On His Taxes Triggers More Backlash