Cha Eun-woo’s Agency Responds to ‘20 Billion Won Tax Evasion Allegations’: “We Are Verifying the Facts, Please Refrain From Reckless Speculation”

[The Financial News] Fantagio, the agency of Cha Eun-woo, a member of the group Astro and an actor, has issued an additional statement regarding allegations of 20 billion won in tax evasion.
In an official statement released on the 27th, Fantagio said, "We sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people due to various recent situations involving our company and Cha Eun-woo," adding, "We feel a heavy sense of responsibility over the controversy that has arisen in connection with our company and our affiliated artist."
The agency continued, "The matter currently raised is at a stage where the facts are being verified in accordance with the procedures of the tax authorities, and both the agency and the artist are faithfully cooperating with the investigation within their respective necessary scopes," and emphasized, "Once the legal and administrative determinations become clear, we will responsibly take whatever measures are necessary in line with the results."
However, it went on to state, "We earnestly ask that people refrain from reckless speculation, the spread of unverified information, and excessive overinterpretation regarding the claims and suspicions being raised in some quarters," calling for restraint over the allegations surrounding Cha Eun-woo.
Fantagio concluded, "Taking this incident as an opportunity, we will once again review our management system for affiliated artists, and we will supplement and strengthen any necessary systems so that similar controversies do not recur in the future."
Previously, it became known that Cha Eun-woo had been notified of an additional assessment of more than 20 billion won in income tax following an intensive investigation last year by the 4th Investigation Bureau of the Seoul Regional Tax Office, over allegations that he evaded taxes through a one-person agency established by his mother. This revelation placed him at the center of controversy.
Regarding this, Fantagio had earlier stated in an official position, "The key issue in this case is whether the corporation established by Cha Eun-woo’s mother falls under the entity that should be substantively taxed," adding, "This matter has not yet been finally confirmed or notified, and we plan to actively clarify the issues related to the interpretation and application of the law through proper procedures."
Cha Eun-woo himself also posted on his social networking service (SNS) account on the 26th, saying, "I sincerely bow my head in apology for causing concern and disappointment to many people due to the various recent matters related to me," and added, "I will faithfully comply with the tax-related procedures going forward. I will also humbly accept the final decision made by the relevant authorities and fully take responsibility in accordance with the outcome."
bng@fnnews.com Kim Hee-sun Reporter