Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo, best known for his clean image and popularity in advertisements, is currently facing controversy after the National Tax Service notified him of more than 20 billion won in additional taxes. While the case has not been finalized yet, the investigation alone has caused major public attention and sparked debate about tax responsibility, celebrity influence, and public trust.
The issue began when tax authorities carried out an intensive investigation into a company established under Cha Eun-woo’s mother’s name. According to reports, this company signed a service contract with Cha Eun-woo’s agency, Fantagio, and received part of his income. The National Tax Service believes the company did not actually perform real entertainment management work and instead mainly existed to distribute income. This structure may have allowed income to be taxed at a lower corporate tax rate rather than the higher personal income tax rate.
Public criticism grew stronger after it was revealed that the company’s registered address was an eel restaurant in Ganghwa Island, which is reportedly run by Cha Eun-woo’s mother. Many people questioned whether a restaurant in that location could realistically function as an office managing a top celebrity’s schedule and business activities. Some legal experts explained that while running a family business is not illegal, failing to clearly prove that the business did real corporate work could support the tax authorities’ claims.
Cha Eun-woo responded to the controversy by posting a public apology on social media. In his statement, he said he felt sorry for disappointing the public and that he was seriously reflecting on whether he had fulfilled his responsibility as a taxpayer. He also stated that he would fully cooperate with tax authorities and accept their final decision. His agency, Fantagio, released additional statements apologizing for the situation and confirming cooperation with the investigation. However, many people felt that the statements were too vague and did not clearly explain the key issues.
The controversy has already affected Cha Eun-woo’s career. Several brands that previously worked with him, including cosmetics, fashion, and online retail companies, have removed or hidden advertisements featuring him on social media and video platforms. This shows how quickly companies react when a celebrity’s image becomes uncertain. Even before a legal conclusion is reached, brands often choose to distance themselves to avoid possible backlash.
Public reaction became even stronger after it was revealed that Cha Eun-woo hosted an official welcome dinner at the APEC summit, a major international event. Although his participation was reportedly requested by the government and the tax case was not yet finalized at the time, many critics felt it was inappropriate for someone facing tax allegations to represent the country at such an important event.
The situation has also led to wider discussion about how celebrities manage their income and whether current tax laws are strict enough for high earning public figures. Some groups argue that legal tax avoidance should not automatically be treated as tax evasion and stress that Cha Eun-woo should be presumed innocent until a final decision is made. Others believe that celebrities, because of their influence and visibility, should be held to higher standards of transparency and responsibility.
As the investigation continues, the main question remains whether the company established under Cha Eun-woo’s mother’s name was a legitimate business that provided real services or a company created mainly to reduce taxes. While the final outcome is still to be seen, the controversy clearly shows how quickly a celebrity’s reputation can change and how closely legal issues and public opinion are connected in today’s media environment.