Cha Eun-woo Says He Paid All Related Taxes, Apologizes Again Over 20 Billion Won Tax Dispute

Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo, who is currently serving in the military, said he has now paid all related taxes tied to the high-profile tax controversy that first surfaced in January, while offering another public apology to fans and the public. Korean media on April 8–9 reported that Cha Eun-woo said on social media he respected the National Tax Service’s process and outcome and had paid the taxes to prevent further confusion

A second apology, a firmer tone

The dispute began after reports in January said the National Tax Service had notified Cha Eun-woo of an additional income tax assessment exceeding 20 billion won. At the time, Fantagio said the issue centered on whether a corporation established under his mother’s name should be treated as the actual taxable entity, while Cha Eun-woo later posted an apology saying he would cooperate with tax procedures and accept the final decision of the relevant authorities.

In his latest statement, Cha Eun-woo reportedly said the controversy had caused disappointment and confusion, and that he was taking the matter more seriously because he has built his career on the love and support of fans. He also said he would not avoid responsibility by claiming he “didn’t know” or by shifting the blame to someone else. That change in tone matters. In January, the focus was on cooperation and future procedures. This week’s statement, by contrast, sounded more final: the taxes have been paid, the apology has been repeated, and the responsibility is being stated more directly.

The family-corporation issue

A key part of the controversy has been the allegation that income was routed through a corporation linked to Cha Eun-woo’s family and taxed at a corporate rate rather than at the higher personal income tax rate. Earlier reporting said the tax authorities viewed that company as lacking substantive business activity, while Cha Eun-woo’s side had argued it was a matter of legal interpretation and taxation procedure rather than a settled criminal finding. That distinction remains important. Public discussion has often used the word “tax evasion,” but several reports have noted that the case has also been framed by Cha Eun-woo’s side as an unresolved tax-law dispute over corporate substance and tax treatment, not a final court ruling.

Cha Eun-woo’s agency Fantagio has previously acknowledged shortcomings in management and said it would review and strengthen its internal systems. In its earlier public statements, the company said it felt a heavy sense of responsibility and would implement necessary measures according to future legal and administrative outcomes.

Fan’s unconditional support

Despite the whole situation surrounding the artist, the fans never stopped believing and supporting Cha Eun-woo in the hectic, problematic times he was facing. On his latest post on Instagram where Cha Eun-woo reached out, people have flooded the comment section with encouraging messages such as “We are here for you, don’t feel bad, we know you. You are a good person! Everything Will be ok. Don’t overthink, breath and continue” and “I am and always will be by your side. Anyone who is truly AROHA knows your integrity and good character. I love you and I’ll be waiting for you!”

In his latest statement, he said, “As I have been active with so much love and support from many people, I am taking this matter even more seriously and deeply.” Therefore proving that the love and strong connection with his fans goes both ways.

Editor’s insight

The most striking part of Cha Eun-woo’s statement is not just that the taxes were paid, but that he chose to place the responsibility directly on himself. In scandals involving family-run corporations or management structures, public figures often lean on technical explanations. Here, the emotional center of the apology is different: disappointment, responsibility, and the refusal to hide behind others. That does not erase the controversy, but it may shape how the public reads what comes next.