CHA EUN WOO
The company run by CHA EUN WOO’s mother, which is at the center of tax evasion suspicions, does indeed appear to exist, but is reportedly registered administratively at an address in Gimpo.
According to a review conducted on the 23rd through the Integrated Information System for the Culture and Arts Industry, Company A, for which CHA EUN WOO’s mother is the legal representative, was officially registered on June 15, 2022. It falls under the jurisdiction of Gimpo City Hall in Gyeonggi Province, and its registered address is a building with seven floors above ground and two basement levels, located in Tongjin-eup, Gimpo.
This address differs from the one that had previously circulated, namely a building on Ganghwa Island in Incheon that once housed an eel restaurant operated by CHA EUN WOO’s parents. The company’s legal name is also registered under a different designation. Regarding this, Fantagio stated that it is “difficult to confirm this information.”
The day before, it was revealed that CHA EUN WOO had received a tax reassessment notice exceeding 20 billion won from the National Tax Service, on suspicion of income tax evasion through his mother’s company. The tax authorities are questioning the structure under which Company A and Fantagio allegedly entered into a service provision contract related to CHA EUN WOO’s artistic activities, allowing his income to be distributed.
The tax authorities believe that Company A did not provide any substantive services and functions as a shell company, allegedly established to avoid the maximum income tax rate of up to 45% by dispersing income that should have been attributed to an individual.
In response, Company A stated:
“Amid frequent changes in management at Fantagio, instability surrounding artistic activities became a source of concern. In order to protect these activities, the mother took charge of management directly. Company A is a legally registered company operating in the field of popular arts and culture planning.”
Fantagio also commented:
“The core issue of this tax matter is whether the company founded by CHA EUN WOO’s mother is subject to substantive taxation. This is neither a finalized decision nor a confirmed tax notice, and we plan to actively present our position in accordance with legal procedures regarding the interpretation and application of the law.”
Meanwhile, CHA EUN WOO is currently serving active duty in the military as a member of the army band, and his scheduled discharge date is January 27, 2027.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: Korean Media
