Cha Eun Woo admits wrongdoing, 'enlists in the military to seek refuge' amidst shocking tax evasion scandal.

An HuyJan 27, 2026 at 07:53

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Amidst the uproar surrounding his delayed tax filing and suspicions of establishing a "shell company," actor Cha Eun Woo has officially sent a letter from his military unit, expressing remorse and clarifying misunderstandings surrounding his enlistment.

Cha Eun Woo admits wrongdoing, enlists in the military to seek refuge amidst shocking tax evasion scandal. - Photo 1

The incident began when South Korean media reported that the 4th Investigation Bureau of the Seoul Tax Service was conducting an in-depth investigation into Cha Eun Woo. The focus of the investigation was an estimated 20 billion won (approximately 360 billion VND) in unpaid taxes. Immediately after the news broke, public opinion in South Korea reacted fiercely, placing the idol at the center of criticism regarding his civic ethics.

Cha Eun Woo admits wrongdoing, enlists in the military to seek refuge amidst shocking tax evasion scandal. - Photo 2

Acknowledging shortcomings in tax obligations.

On January 26th, Cha Eun Woo directly responded to the incident through his personal social media account. The artist did not shy away from the issue but frankly admitted that he had not been serious enough in fulfilling his tax obligations — a basic responsibility of every South Korean citizen.

Cha Eun Woo admits wrongdoing, enlists in the military to seek refuge amidst shocking tax evasion scandal. - Photo 3

"I apologize for causing the public concern. This is an opportunity for me to reflect on my personal responsibility and I am seriously examining my shortcomings," Cha Eun Woo shared in his letter.

The male artist affirmed that this delay was a regrettable mistake and that he was fully aware of its consequences. He pledged to cooperate closely with the authorities, accept all final rulings, and fulfill all financial obligations as required by law.

Cha Eun Woo admits wrongdoing, enlists in the military to seek refuge amidst shocking tax evasion scandal. - Photo 4

Denying enlisting as a way to "escape danger"

One of the biggest controversies is that Cha Eun Woo's enlistment coincided with a tax investigation. Many believe this was a move to "avoid public scrutiny."

However, the male artist denied this claim. He explained that because his enlistment order could not be postponed any longer since last year, he was forced to enlist even while his tax audit was still ongoing. Cha Eun Woo expressed his regret, saying, "If I weren't in the military, I would be willing to personally meet with those affected to offer my sincerest apologies."

Cha Eun Woo admits wrongdoing, enlists in the military to seek refuge amidst shocking tax evasion scandal. - Photo 5

Suspicions of a "ghost company" and a debt of 360 billion VND.

According to reports from the tax authorities, the case involves not only Cha Eun Woo personally but also a legal entity established by his mother. This company is suspected of being a "paper company" set up to illegally maximize profits through management service contracts with the artist's management company.

Currently, the Seoul Tax Office is still carefully reviewing the relevant documents to reach a final conclusion. Although the 20 billion won figure is only an estimate from the investigation, it has dealt a heavy blow to the image of the "intellectual heartthrob" that Cha Eun Woo had painstakingly built up over the years, a one-star image free of scandals.

Cha Eun Woo admits wrongdoing, enlists in the military to seek refuge amidst shocking tax evasion scandal. - Photo 6

Concluding his open letter, Cha Eun Woo once again affirmed his willingness to cooperate. He promised to complete the remaining procedures as transparently as possible. For fans, this was a huge shock, but Cha Eun Woo's direct approach instead of silence is seen as a necessary step to appease public opinion in this sensitive context.

The case continues to attract significant attention from the South Korean media and public. The latest developments regarding the tax authorities' conclusions will determine the future of the artist's career after his military discharge.

This tax scandal is not just a financial issue, but also a harsh test of Cha Eun Woo's long-standing "clean" reputation. Although the artist chose to confront the issue directly and offer a reasonable explanation for his enlistment, the 20 billion won figure remains a significant stain in the eyes of the South Korean public – a country known for its strict standards regarding the civic duties of celebrities.

Currently, all eyes are on the final conclusion from the Seoul Tax Office. If he can complete the legal procedures and pay the fine transparently while still serving in the military, this could be an opportunity for Cha Eun Woo to appease public opinion and rebuild his image as a responsible artist. Conversely, if the details regarding the "ghost company" become more complicated, his path back to fame after his discharge will undoubtedly face many obstacles.

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