Actors Kim Seon-ho (left) and Cha Eun-woo. Kyunghyang DB

Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo, who has been embroiled in controversy over alleged tax evasion in the 20 billion-won range, announced on the 8th that he had paid the taxes and apologized to fans, while his agency Fantagio also presented its stance on recent tax issues involving its artists.

The agency, which has also seen an issue arise over alleged tax evasion from Kim Seon-ho's former-agency period in addition to Cha Eun-woo, stated, “We deeply apologize to everyone for the concern caused by controversies related to taxes involving the company and its artists,” and “We are taking this not as a simple individual matter but as a problem stemming from a lack of managerial responsibility at the company, and we take it seriously.”

또 “As a company that must manage and support the activities of artists, we solemnly recognize and reflect on the fact that we did not sufficiently check this matter in advance and that there were shortcomings in the management process”“며 ”We are thoroughly reexamining our internal management system and decision-making processes, and are pursuing practical improvements, such as strengthening pre-verification procedures including tax and legal reviews“고 설명했다.

The agency added, “Because we operate on a foundation of public trust, we will reflect deeply on this matter and respond with responsible change.”

Kim Seon-ho, who is under Fantagio, reportedly established a family corporation ‘Eseu-eichi-du’ in January 2024 and had been receiving settlement payments from his previous agency, drawing suspicion.

Meanwhile, in a post on his own SNS, Cha Eun-woo said, “I sincerely apologize for having caused disappointment and confusion to many people, including fans, due to the controversy related to my taxes.” He also said, “I respect the procedures and results of the National Tax Service, and I have paid all related taxes so that no further confusion continues.”

The following is the full statement from Fantagio

This is Fantagio.

We deeply apologize for having caused concern to many people due to recent controversies related to taxes involving the company and its affiliated artists.

We are taking this not as a simple individual matter but as a serious problem that stems from insufficient managerial responsibility at the company.

As a company that must manage and support the activities of artists, we solemnly recognize and reflect on the fact that we did not sufficiently check this matter in advance and that there were shortcomings in the management process.

Accordingly, Fantagio is currently conducting a full reexamination of its internal management system and decision-making processes, and is pursuing practical improvements, such as strengthening pre-verification procedures that include tax and legal reviews.

We will also faithfully engage in the relevant procedures and continuously reinforce the internal control system to prevent similar cases from recurring.

As Fantagio operates on the foundation of public trust, we will reflect deeply on this matter and repay that trust with responsible change.

Thank you.