Provided by Fantagio

On the 26th, singer and actor Cha Eun-woo issued an official statement and apologized over allegations of tax evasion worth around $15,000,000 (20,000,000,000 KRW).

Posting on social media that day, Cha Eun-woo said, "I bow my head in sincere apology for causing concern and disappointment to many people."

He added, "This incident has made me reflect deeply on whether my attitude toward the duty of paying taxes, as a citizen of the Republic of Korea, has been sufficiently strict."

Regarding suspicions raised by some that his enlistment was intended to avoid scrutiny, he explained, "I am currently serving in the military, but it was by no means a deliberate choice to avoid this controversy," and, "Last year, I could no longer postpone enlistment, so I entered service before the tax audit procedures could be concluded."

He added, "I will faithfully participate in the tax-related procedures going forward," and, "I will humbly accept the final determination of the relevant authorities and fulfill the responsibility that follows."

It was reported in the media that Cha Eun-woo recently received a notice from the National Tax Service for additional income tax exceeding $15,000,000 (20,000,000,000 KRW), while his agency Fantagio issued an official position stating that it is "neither finalized nor formally notified."

Below is the full text of Cha Eun-woo's statement

Hello. This is Cha Eun-woo.

I sincerely bow my head in apology for causing concern and disappointment to many people due to various matters related to me recently.

This incident has made me look back on whether my attitude toward the duty of paying taxes as a citizen of the Republic of Korea has been sufficiently strict, and I am deeply reflecting.

Over the past few days, I have spent time reflecting, wondering what I should say first so that those hurt because of me might feel even a little of my remorse.

I worried that a lengthy message might sound like an excuse or rather cause fatigue, but I came to think that it is proper for me to speak directly about this matter and apologize.

I am writing this after finishing my duties on base. I am currently serving in the military, but it was by no means an intentional choice to avoid this controversy.

Last year, I was in a situation where I could no longer postpone enlistment, so I enlisted without being able to conclude the tax audit procedures. However, as this, too, is a misunderstanding arising from my shortcomings, I keenly feel responsibility.

If I were not serving as a soldier, I would want to visit everyone who may have suffered harm because of this and bow my head to apologize in person; with that sincerity, I am writing this message.

Over the 11 long years, having more shortcomings than strengths, I have been able to stand in the undeserved position called "Cha Eun-woo" thanks to the love and support you have generously given.

Therefore, although I may be unable to repay all those who believed in and supported me despite my shortcomings and the many people I have worked with, I am indescribably sorry for having caused great hurt and fatigue.

I will faithfully take part in the tax-related procedures to come. I will also humbly accept the final decision of the relevant authorities and take full responsibility accordingly.

Going forward, I will examine myself more strictly and live with a greater sense of responsibility, with a heart to repay the love I have received.

Once again, I sincerely apologize for causing concern.

January 26, 2026

Sincerely, Cha Eun-woo