Following recent allegations of tax evasion, South Korean actor-idol Cha Eun Woo has issued a public apology over the controversy through a heartfelt statement shared on social media.
On Monday, Jan. 26, Cha Eun Woo posted a lengthy message on his official Instagram account, expressing remorse and offering clarification amid growing public scrutiny.
The statement came just a day ahead of his scheduled military discharge on Jan. 27, following reports that he was investigated last year by the Seoul Regional Tax Office over alleged tax evasion amounting to more than 20 billion won (approximately $13.6 million).
According to a media report dated Jan. 22, Cha Eun Woo was investigated by the Seoul Regional Tax Office on suspicion of tax evasion. The report alleged that the National Tax Service (NTS) imposed an additional tax assessment exceeding 20 billion won in income and related taxes.
The same report claimed that the NTS questioned the structure of the artist’s income. Despite being signed to an agency, Cha Eun Woo was allegedly found to have used a separate family-run company, established by his mother and referred to as Corporation A, to divide income among Fantagio, the corporation, and himself.
The actor shared on his Instagram post that the situation prompted him to deeply reflect on himself as an artist and, more importantly, as a citizen of South Korea.
“Taking this incident as an opportunity, I have deeply reflected on whether my attitude toward my duty as a citizen of the Republic of Korea, particularly regarding tax payments, was sufficiently rigorous,” he wrote, as translated by Soompi.
Cha Eun Woo shared that he wrote the statement while fulfilling his obligations in the military. He stressed that his enlistment was not a means to evade the controversy, explaining that his military service coincided with the investigation timeline.
“I am writing this after finishing my daily duties within the military unit. Currently, I am serving in the military, but this was by no means an intentional choice to avoid this controversy,” he wrote, adding that he enlisted last year after being unable to further delay his service, even as tax-related procedures remained unresolved.
The singer-actor went on to express regret that he could not personally apologize in person due to his current circumstances, saying, “If I were not a soldier at the moment, I would want to personally visit and bow my head to all those who were harmed by this incident. With that sentiment, I am writing this letter with all my sincerity.”
Reflecting on his 11-year career, Cha Eun Woo expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he has received despite what he described as his many flaws.
“For the long period of the past 11 years, despite having more shortcomings than possessions, I was able to be in this undeserved position as ‘Cha Eun Woo’ thanks to your unreserved love and support,” he wrote.
He further apologized to fans, colleagues, and partners who have stood by him throughout his career.
“I am indescribably sorry for not even being able to repay but to have caused great pain and fatigue to all those who believed in and supported me despite my inadequacies and to the many people I have worked with,” he added.
Cha Eun Woo concluded his statement by pledging full cooperation with authorities and vowing to grow from the controversy with accountability.
“I will faithfully participate in the tax-related procedures that will proceed in the future,” he said, adding that he would “humbly accept the final decision made by the relevant authorities and take full responsibility accordingly.”
“In the future, I will reflect on myself more rigorously and live with a greater sense of responsibility, with the mindset of repaying the love I have received,” he wrote, before closing with a final apology: “Once again, I sincerely apologize for causing concern.”
Prior to Cha Eun Woo’s statement, his agency, Fantagio, had also addressed the issue, pledging that they, along with the artist and his tax representative, would cooperate diligently to actively clarify the matter in accordance with lawful procedures.
