(C) Malay Mail

SEOUL — Actor and former ASTRO member Cha Eun-woo (29, real name Lee Dong-min) is embroiled in a massive tax evasion scandal involving a staggering 20 billion KRW (approx. $15 million). While the star’s side claims it is a matter of legal interpretation, experts suggest the evidence points toward a sophisticated and intentional scheme.

The "Price of Deceit"
According to Kim Myung-gyu, a lawyer and accountant, the 20 billion KRW penalty consists of approximately 10–14 billion KRW in base taxes, with the remainder being heavy "fraud penalties" (additional taxes).

"The National Tax Service (NTS) applies a 40% penalty when they believe a taxpayer has intentionally deceived the authorities," Kim explained. "Roughly 6 to 10 billion KRW of this total is essentially the price paid for lying."

Strategic Red Flags: The LLC and the "Eel Restaurant"
The investigation is being led by the 4th Bureau of the Seoul Regional Tax Office, a unit notorious for handling high-profile tax fraud and criminal investigations. Experts highlight two critical red flags:

Avoidance of Audits: Cha reportedly converted his corporation into a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Unlike joint-stock companies, LLCs in Korea are not mandatory subjects for external audits, regardless of their revenue. This is being viewed as an intentional "blackout mode" to hide financial records.
Paper Companies: The NTS suspects a firm established by Cha’s mother is a "paper company." Though it signed contracts with Cha’s agency, Fantagio, the NTS claims no real services were provided. Furthermore, the firm was registered at a remote eel restaurant in Ganghwa Island—likely to avoid the heavy acquisition taxes imposed on businesses in Seoul.

"Individual Enterprise" vs. Corporate IP
The scandal highlights a shift in the Korean entertainment industry. While idols are often seen as "employees" of their agencies, top-tier actors like Cha function as "1인 기획사" (one-man agencies). By funneling personal income through a paper company, celebrities can slash their tax rate from the 45% individual income tax bracket to the 10–20% corporate tax bracket.

Current Status
Cha Eun-woo’s agency, Fantagio, stated that the case is still under review and they are in the process of providing an explanation to the authorities. "The main dispute is whether the corporation established by his mother constitutes a real taxable entity," the agency said, adding that no final decision has been made.

If the "intent to conceal" is proven, Cha could face not only the record-breaking fine but also potential criminal prosecution.