"Is this really the time to cheer him on?" Famous actress publicly supports Cha Eun-woo amid 20 billion won tax evasion allegations

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According to The Financial News, Arden Cho, who voiced the character Rumi Kang in the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," has publicly expressed her support for singer and actor Cha Eun-woo, who is embroiled in allegations of evading 20 billion won in taxes.
On the 26th, Cha Eun-woo wrote on his social media, "This incident has made me seriously reflect on whether I have been sufficiently strict in fulfilling my tax obligations as a citizen of South Korea. I am deeply reflecting on myself," adding, "I will faithfully comply with all upcoming tax-related procedures. I will also humbly accept the results and take full responsibility accordingly."
Under this post, Arden Cho commented, "Always supporting you dongseng, Hwaiting!"
Some of Cha Eun-woo's fans responded positively by liking the comment. However, others criticized it, writing, "Why is a foreigner interfering in our country's tax issues?", "If you evaded enough taxes to be hit with 20 billion won in additional tax in the United States, the IRS would chase you to the ends of the earth", "What exactly are you supporting—are you cheering on tax evasion?", "This is not the time to be sending support", and "Read the room."
The two have a previous connection: last year they collaborated on a cover of "Free," the duet by Rumi Kang and Jinu from the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack.
Meanwhile, Cha Eun-woo became the center of a tax evasion controversy last year after the National Tax Service (NTS) notified him of an additional income tax assessment exceeding 20 billion won. It is reportedly the largest amount of back taxes ever imposed on a South Korean entertainer.
The NTS concluded that Cha Eun-woo had signed a management service contract with Company A, which was established by his mother, and then split his earnings among his agency Fantagio, Company A, and an account in his own name. By doing so, he was seen as attempting to benefit from the lower corporate tax rate instead of paying the higher top marginal personal income tax rate of 45%.
moon@fnnews.com Reporter Moon Young-jin Reporter