A top Korean actor’s appeal against a tax assessment amounting to around ₩3.00 billion KRW (about $2.10 million USD) was recently dismissed in a tax tribunal, drawing criticism as it contrasts sharply with broadcaster Yoo Jae Suk’s diligent tax payment record.
Previously, Yoo Yeon Seok conducted his entertainment activities through his one-person agency, Forever Entertainment. However, the National Tax Service judged that the agency did not effectively support his entertainment work and imposed a tax bill totaling about ₩7.00 billion KRW (about $4.90 million USD), including income tax.
Disputing this, Yoo Yeon Seok filed a pre-assessment review in January, and after submitting explanations, the tax amount was adjusted to around ₩3.00 billion KRW (about $2.10 million USD). Yoo’s side paid the tax but then filed for a tax tribunal, which was dismissed last month.
In response, his agency King Kong by Starship stated, “This matter arises from differing interpretations and applications of tax law, and the related procedures are not yet fully concluded.”
They added, “We are carefully reviewing the facts and legal issues and will respond faithfully according to the prescribed procedures when necessary,” emphasizing, “Actor Yoo Yeon Seok has fulfilled his tax duties sincerely and will continue to handle these matters responsibly.”
However, Yoo Yeon Seok’s actions have sparked sharp comparisons with Yoo Jae Suk’s recent tax conduct shown in a web variety show. Recently, during filming of a web variety show, Yoo Jae Suk was praised for visiting a bank in person to meet his tax deadline, even while preparing to go on a trip.
When others questioned, “Why not just do it on your day off later?” Yoo Jae Suk firmly said, “There is no ‘later.’ It has to be done on time today,” stressing, “Paying taxes is really important. It’s our duty.”
The official account of the National Tax Service even posted a comment expressing gratitude, saying, “Mr. Jae Suk, thank you for your sincere tax payment,” which attracted attention.
Most notably, since Yoo Jae Suk and Yoo Yeon Seok co-host SBS variety show Whenever Possible, public reaction has grown even more critical. Netizens are directing criticism at Yoo Yeon Seok, saying things like, “Didn’t you learn anything from Yoo Jae Suk?“, “You’re on the same show as Yoo Jae Suk, but the difference is so stark,” “Didn’t you feel anything seeing Yoo Jae Suk leave filming to pay his taxes?” and “Pay your taxes properly like Yoo Jae Suk.”