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Cha Eun-woo confirms full tax payment, issues renewed apology
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South Korean star Cha Eun-woo has once again addressed his tax controversy, assuring the public that all dues have been settled while issuing a renewed apology months after his initial statement.
“I sincerely apologize to my fans and everyone else for the disappointment and confusion caused by the recent tax-related controversy involving me,” he wrote on Instagram.
He explained that he only chose to speak now “as various administrative procedures were underway,” which made him “cautious in expressing my position.”
The actor-singer emphasized that he is fully cooperating with authorities and has resolved his obligations.
“I respect the procedures and findings of the National Tax Service, and to prevent any further confusion, I have fully paid the related taxes. I will also diligently comply with any remaining procedures,” he said.
Taking accountability, he added, “If there were aspects I failed to carefully review, the responsibility lies entirely with me. I will not avoid accountability by saying 'I didn't know' or that it was 'someone else's decision.'”
He also clarified that decisions made during a transitional period in his career led to oversights.
“During a period of various changes and uncertainties in my career, I established a corporation to help manage my activities more stably. However, looking back, there were areas I did not examine thoroughly enough, and I believe the responsibility lies not with my family or company, but with me,” he wrote on his post.
Reports previously stated that South Korea's National Tax Service flagged the actor for potentially owing over 20 billion won (around PhP800 million) in additional taxes following an audit, with scrutiny reportedly involving a company set up by his mother.
Moving forward, Cha Eun-woo vowed to be more vigilant.
“To ensure that such an issue does not happen again, I will apply stricter and more careful standards to all aspects of my activities moving forward. I will continue striving and trying my best to become someone who takes full responsibility for my choices and actions.”
Born Lee Dong-min, he rose to fame as a member of the K-pop group ASTRO before building a successful acting career through dramas like My ID is Gangnam Beauty, True Beauty, and Wonderful World. He is also set to appear in Netflix's upcoming series The WONDERfools alongside Park Eun-bin.
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