Cha
Eun-Woo's ongoing tax evasion scandal as reached the doorsteps of his agency Fantagio too. The company has confirmed that, in the light of their client and ASTRO member Eun-Woo's case, Fantaghio was also heavily fined by tax authorities. This comes as the K-pop idol-turned-actor was accused of 20 billion KRW (about $13.7 million) tax evasion. In its previous statement, Fantagio officially rejected the allegations and filed for a pre-assessment review to challenge the National Tax Service's ruling. However, the case seems to be only deepening by the day. Eunwoo is accused of running a "one-person agency" in the name of his mother to save taxes, and his label Fantagio is also reportedly involved in the scam.
Fantagio fined in Cha Eun-Woo's case
On January 29, Fantagio officially acknowledged to Xports News that owing to Cha Eun-Woo's case, even the label was fined for 8.2 billion KRW (about $5.73 million) last year. This was after some reports claimed that the actual amount was 8.50 billion KRW (about $5.94 million), which was corrected by the agency in its statement.
About tax evasion case
Cha Eun-Woo came under investigation by the National Tax Service after reports surfaced earlier this week that the 28-year-old was allegedly involved in massive tax evasion. This was touted to be one of the largest additional tax assessments, including income tax, ever imposed on a Korean celebrity. The report further stated that the assessment is reportedly part of a tax audit conducted in July last year, days before he enlisted for his mandatory military service.The fine levied against Fantagio was related to the company's earnings through Eun-Woo after he underwent an intensive tax audit in 2025, which led authorities to conclude that he had evaded income tax by funnelling his money through a "paper company" run by his mother.
Eun-Woo's 'one-person company'
Regarding his alleged "one-person company," officials claimed it was a corporation established by his mother, which was inserted between Fantagio and the star. The contract was meant to provide support services for his entertainment activities. Even Eun-Woo's earnings were reportedly divided among Fantagio, the corporation, and himself. The National Tax Service concluded that Fantagio received unfair tax benefits through its financial dealings with the star.
About Eun-Woo's paper company
Point to note is that the address registered to LNC Company was in Incheon, Ganghwa-gun. But it was later claimed that the address appears to correspond to a grilled eel restaurant, and not an entertainment or management office. It is known that the restaurant is run by Eun-Woo's parents.As per speculations, Fantagio will seek indemnity from Eun-Woo for the penalty, though the idol-actor's involvement in Fantagio's earnings makes the possibilities are unlikely.
Eel restaurant relocated
When an on site inspection was conducted at the eel restaurant in Ganghwa operated by his mother on January 26, it was revealed that the company completed an address change on the very same day and has since left the Ganghwa jurisdiction.According to Allkpop, a Ganghwa County official told Ilgan Sports, "We conducted an on-site inspection of the corporation registered in Ganghwa as a public culture and arts planning business under his name. However, there was no office, furniture, or any facilities necessary to carry out business operations."The official added, "Not only was there no office equipment, but we also could not confirm any facilities required for office work, making it difficult to view the space as being used as an office."On the day the on-site inspection took place, an application was submitted to change the address of Cha Eun Woo’s limited liability company to the Gangnam District Office, and the relocation was processed that same day," the Ganghwa County Office representative added.On January 28, it was reported that after
brand endorsements, even
military promotionalcontent featuring Eun-Woo was being removed.
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