Shocking: Singer-actor Cha Eun Woo is at the center of a tax evasion firestorm after a reported notice of over 20 billion won in back taxes, with the Ministry of National Defense deleting a promotional video featuring him and a public petition calling for his reassignment from the military band.
On the 28th, one netizen said, "I filed an e-People petition requesting a review of Cha Eun Woo's reassignment within the military band."
The netizen explained the intent behind the report: "It is judged that this could affect the military's external credibility and soldiers' morale," adding, "From the perspective of 'external credibility, representation, and soldiers' morale,' a military band posting requires a higher level of suitability review and risk management than general postings."
Cha Eun Woo's alleged tax evasion came to light after the National Tax Service reportedly notified him of additional income tax exceeding 20 billion won. The NTS is said to believe he signed a management services contract with a corporation established by his mother to sidestep income tax rates, and it suspects the corporation is a paper company that provided no substantive services.
In response, Cha Eun Woo's agency Fantagio said, "The key issue in this case is whether the corporation established by Cha Eun Woo's mother is subject to substantive taxation," adding, "Nothing has been finalized or officially imposed at this stage."