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South Korean star Cha Eun-woo, actor and member of K-pop group ASTRO, is under scrutiny by South Korea's National Tax Service regarding allegations of tax evasion, which amounts to 20 billion won or 13.6 million US dollars.

In a report published by Korean media outlet Edaily on Thursday, January 22, Eun-woo was reportedly audited by the Seoul Regional Tax Office's Investigation Division 4, which looks into major cases of tax evasion.

In July 2025, prior to his enlistment, Eun-woo was audited on charges of tax evasion and was subsequently informed by the NTS of his duty to pay taxes, including income taxes.

The allegations focus on an agency set up allegedly by Cha Eun-woo's mother. While he is officially signed with management company Fantagio, investigators found that this separate company was positioned between him and Fantagio through a service contract, splitting his earnings between Fantagio, the one-person company, and Eun-woo himself. Tax authorities determined that the company was essentially not providing any real services and was created to reduce the income tax owed, as corporate tax rates are significantly lower than the 45% income tax.

Authorities noted that the company's registered address on Ganghwa Island was suspicious and unsuitable for entertainment business, and although it had imported cars and processed various expenses, it offered no services distinct from Fantagio.

Consequently, both Eun-woo and his mother were summoned for questioning, with authorities concluding that the financial benefits ultimately flowed back to Eun-woo, resulting in unpaid income taxes of 20 billion won. Fantagio also faced repercussions, being charged 8.2 billion won in additional taxes after the agency was found to have processed false tax invoices issued by Eun-woo's mother's company.

Fantagio also shared a statement on January 22: "This matter has not yet been finally determined or notified, and it plans to actively explain the position through lawful procedures with regard to issues of legal interpretation and application."

It said Eun-woo and his representatives will cooperate with the investigations and that the actor will "continue, as a citizen of this country, to faithfully fulfill tax filings and his legal obligations”.

Cha Eun-woo is currently fulfilling his military service and is expected to be discharged in January 2027.