This article is part of our coverage of Cha Eunwoo’s Tax Evasion Scandal. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.
As singer and actor Cha Eunwoo, a member of boy group ASTRO, faces allegations of tax evasion amounting to ₩20.0 billion KRW (about $14.0 million USD), leading to the industry beginning to cut ties with him, a request for reappointment within the military has been submitted for the idol, who is currently serving in the military band.
On the 28th, a whistleblower stated that he believes this matter could affect the military’s external reputation and the morale of soldiers. Therefore, on the same day, he submitted a report to the Ministry of National Defense requesting a thorough review of Private First Class Lee Dong Min’s (Cha Eunwoo’s real name) suitability as a member of the military band and reconsideration of his posting.
The whistleblower shared a screenshot of the Ministry of National Defense’s online petition system, explaining,
“According to Article 317, Paragraph 1 of the Unit Management Regulations (Support for the Ministry of National Defense Honor Guard and Military Band), priority is given to supporting government-sponsored central events. Paragraph 2 states that the military band supports national holiday celebrations, presidential inauguration ceremonies, presidential-related events (including foreign visits, airport send-offs and welcomes, official receptions and see-offs for foreign dignitaries), various legally designated memorial days, commemorative events related to key government policies reported at cabinet meetings, international events held domestically (upon request), traditional ceremonies sponsored by the government (upon request), and state funerals, meaning it is highly visible and symbolic externally.”
The whistleblower added, “While the substance of this matter will ultimately be resolved through procedures involving relevant agencies, the scale and impact of the controversy are already considerable. This risks causing relative deprivation among soldiers and damaging trust in the fairness and integrity of the military organization. For this reason, military band postings, given their nature, require a higher level of suitability assessment and risk management from the perspectives of external trust, representation, and soldier morale than general assignments.”
They also revealed a recorded conversation with the Ministry of National Defense’s online petition officer, saying, “They designated the unit’s inspection office as the department in charge of handling the case and said that an investigation or fact-finding measures would be taken if necessary. They indicated that after assessing the facts and necessity, a response or action would follow.“