This article is part of our coverage of Cha Eunwoo’s Tax Evasion Scandal. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.
Singer and actor Cha Eunwoo, a member of boy group ASTRO, has been embroiled in allegations of tax evasion during his military service. Legal experts have analyzed that investigations are possible through cooperation between tax authorities and military prosecutors.
On the 30th, YTN Radio’s Lawyer Lee Wonhwa’s Case X-File featured a current attorney discussing the key points of Cha Eunwoo’s tax evasion controversy.
Earlier, Cha Eunwoo stated, “Although I am currently serving in the military, this controversy was never the reason for my enlistment,” and “Last year, I was no longer able to delay military enlistment, so I joined before completing the tax investigation procedure,” clarifying that his enlistment was not to evade investigation.
Regarding this, Kim Jeong Gi, a lawyer at Roel Law Firm, explained, “Cha Eunwoo cannot avoid investigation simply because he has military status. Investigators will visit the base or summon him during leave for questioning.”
He added, “Even if the alleged crime occurred while he was a civilian, if he is currently a soldier, investigations can proceed in cooperation with military prosecutors, and if necessary, questioning may continue after his discharge.”
Following the controversy, all KFN content videos featuring Cha Eunwoo from the Defense Media Agency and Armed Forces Broadcasting were made private. The Ministry of Defense also received a public petition requesting a reassignment for Cha Eun Woo within the military band.
On this matter, lawyer Kim Jeong Gi explained, “Military personnel rights, including command and military administrative authority, rest with the military commander. Which position Cha Eunwoo holds depends on the base commander, and no one other than that commander’s supervisor can intervene,” explaining the principle. However, he noted there is a possibility that the commander could reassign Cha Eunwoo to a different position at their discretion in response to public opinion.
Previously, the Seoul Regional Tax Office’s Investigation Division No. 4 notified Cha Eunwoo of the highest tax bill imposed on a domestic entertainer, amounting to ₩20.0 billion KRW (about $13.8 million USD). The tax authorities judged that the corporation was used as a channel to disperse income without providing actual services; however, Cha Eunwoo’s side refuted, stating that the management company was officially registered and had performed real functions and roles.
Cha Eunwoo’s agency Fantagio stated, “The current issue is in the process of fact verification by the tax authorities in accordance with procedural steps. Both the agency and the artist are fully cooperating within the scope required. When legal and administrative decisions become clear, we will take necessary actions responsibly based on those results.”