TV Investigation Raises Questions About Cha Eun Woo’s Family Company and Property Purchases

New reports about ASTRO member and actor Cha Eun Woo are drawing attention after a television investigation highlighted both a tax probe involving his personal agency and a series of real estate purchases connected to a family-run company.

The issue was discussed in the March 8 broadcast of the MBC investigative program “Straight” (탐사기획 스트레이트), which examined how some celebrities operate one-person agencies through family corporations. Below is the simple results of this investigations.

Investigation highlights family-run company structure

According to the program and the article by StarNews, Cha Eun Woo previously established a one-person agency operated through a family corporation.

The company’s leadership structure reportedly includes several family members:

  • Cha Eun Woo’s mother listed as the company representative
  • Cha Eun Woo and his younger brother registered as internal directors
  • His father listed as an auditor

Investigators described the structure as a typical family-run corporation, a format sometimes used by celebrities to manage their personal activities and finances.

Cha Eun Woo / News1

Reports of a large tax investigation

The broadcast also referenced a tax investigation conducted by the Seoul Regional Tax Office, which reportedly issued a notice related to approximately 20 billion won (about $15 million USD) in alleged unpaid taxes.

If confirmed, it would represent one of the largest tax-related reassessment amounts involving a Korean celebrity.

However, the matter is still going through official procedures.

Real estate purchases also draw attention

The program also reported that the family company purchased several properties in Ganghwa Island, Incheon.

According to the investigation:

  • In July 2020, the company purchased land and a building that included an eel restaurant.
  • The total property area reportedly reached about 15,000 square meters, roughly the size of three soccer fields.
  • The purchase price was approximately 1.75 billion won, with part of the purchase financed through a corporate loan.
  • In February 2025, an additional nearby plot of land was reportedly purchased for about 1.1 billion won.

The broadcast suggested that the corporate address for Cha Eun Woo’s agency was registered at the restaurant location previously operated by his family.

Agency responds to the reports

Cha Eun Woo’s agency Fantagio addressed the issue during the program.

The company explained that the family corporation had been used to support and manage Cha Eun Woo’s entertainment activities, with his mother handling management-related tasks.

Fantagio also stated that they are currently going through the necessary legal procedures to verify the legitimacy of the company’s financial structure and documentation.

Cha Eun Woo / News1

Cha Eun Woo currently serving in the military

The news comes while Cha Eun Woo is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service.

He enlisted in July 2025 as a member of the Army military band, and his expected discharge date is January 2027.

As the investigation continues, the situation has become a major talking point among fans and the Korean entertainment industry. There are also many heated conversations among fans on platforms such as X.