SEOUL, South Korea — K-pop star and actor Cha Eun-woo, who is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service, issued a formal public apology on Monday, January 26, 2026, regarding allegations of significant tax evasion.
The singer-actor expressed his commitment to cooperate fully with South Korean tax authorities to resolve the controversy, which involves a massive additional income tax assessment.
The Allegations The controversy surfaced following media reports indicating that South Korea’s National Tax Service (NTS) had notified Cha of additional income tax assessments exceeding 20 billion won (approximately $14 million).
- Initial Response: His agency, Fantagio, had previously stated that the matter was not yet finalized and that no official notice had been received.
- Personal Apology: Cha’s social media post marks the first time he has personally addressed the situation. “I will humbly accept the final judgment made by the relevant authorities and take full responsibility in accordance with the outcome,” he wrote.
Military Service and Timing Cha, 29, is currently serving in a military band after enlisting in July 2025. His statement also addressed rumors that his enlistment was timed to avoid the tax probe:
- Scrutiny Denied: He denied that his entry into the military was an attempt to evade investigation.
- Enlistment Constraints: “My enlistment was not an intentional choice to avoid this controversy,” Cha explained. “Last year, I reached a point where I could no longer postpone my enlistment, even though the tax investigation was still under way.”
A Career on Hold Known for his roles in hit dramas like True Beauty and his membership in the group ASTRO, Cha Eun-woo has long been one of Korea’s most bankable stars and top taxpayers. The news of the tax probe has shocked fans, as he has maintained a “clean” and “upright” public image throughout his career.
Under South Korean law, tax evasion on this scale can lead to significant financial penalties and potentially impact a celebrity’s ability to return to the entertainment industry following military discharge. Cha concluded his message by apologizing to his fans and the public for the “concern and disappointment” caused by the ongoing case.