K-pop Star Cha Eun Woo Under Investigation for Tax Controversy
CHA EUN WOO – A member of the K-pop group ASTRO has been linked to a major tax controversy in South Korea. Authorities allege that he may have evaded over 20 billion won (around PHP800 million) in taxes through a company associated with his family.
Reports indicate that the National Tax Service (NTS) began investigating the actor last year, focusing on how his income was managed, particularly through a so-called “one-person agency.” The audit reportedly took place in July 2025, shortly before Cha Eun Woo began his mandatory military service.
The allegations claim that, despite being signed with his main entertainment agency Fantagio, the K-pop star and his mother allegedly established a separate company—referred to in reports as “Company A”—which then signed a service contract with Fantagio. According to tax officials, this arrangement allowed the income to be routed through the family-linked company, effectively reducing the taxes owed. Investigators reportedly determined that the company was essentially a “paper company,” providing no real services, while its registered address on Ganghwa Island appeared unsuitable for an entertainment business.
Although multiple imported cars and various expenses were recorded under the company, officials found no actual differentiated services compared to Fantagio. Had the income been filed under Cha Eun Woo’s personal taxes, the NTS estimates that more than 20 billion won should have been paid.
In response, Fantagio clarified that the case has not been formally confirmed or officially notified. The agency emphasized that the key question is whether the company established by Cha Eun Woo’s mother qualifies as a taxable entity and stressed that nothing has been finalized. Fantagio assured the public that Cha Eun Woo will cooperate fully with the investigation as a responsible citizen. The agency also stated that both the artist and his tax representatives will work diligently to resolve the matter and reaffirmed that Cha Eun Woo continues to fulfill his legal tax obligations.
Currently, Cha Eun Woo is serving his mandatory military service and is expected to be discharged in January 2027.