The National Tax Service (NTS) has launched a tax investigation into 17 YouTubers and Broadcasters (BJs) who have generated substantial income from explicit and provocative content while evading taxes. These individuals are accused of producing harmful content on online platforms and engaging in tax evasion.
Key Investigation Targets and Allegations:
"Excel Broadcasting" Operators:Operate broadcasts featuring sexually suggestive performances based on viewer donations, with real-time rankings of donations to encourage competition.
Some operators reportedly earned over 10 billion KRW annually but are accused of underreporting income and falsely claiming expenses for tax evasion.
They attempted to evade taxes by paying high appearance fees to BJs and receiving a portion back, and by treating personal donation items as business expenses.
"Cyber Wreckers" YouTubers:Produce content by sensationally distorting others' incidents and accidents, generating high view counts and advertising revenue.
YouTuber A, included in the investigation, is accused of attracting subscribers with unethical remarks and provocative content, then underreporting overseas advertising revenue for tax evasion.
A has used the evaded income to purchase large apartments, secure business lease deposits, and pay for personal expenses such as luxury goods, furniture, and dermatological procedures with business credit cards.
They also increased expenses by creating fake service transactions with family members.
Deepfake Gambling Site Operators:Utilize deepfake content featuring celebrities' images to lure adults and adolescents into illegal gambling.
Some operators established offices in Southeast Asia, recruited gambling funds from over 100,000 people, and even developed dedicated apps for deposits and withdrawals.
Accused of tax evasion on illegal profits.
NTS Investigation Plan:
Thoroughly verify allegations of tax evasion through forensic analysis, financial tracking, and other methods.
Utilize international information exchange, foreign exchange receipt data, and Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) data to uncover hidden income and fund flows.
Closely monitor the entire digital economy and thoroughly review the adequacy of reporting for YouTuber super chats, personal account donations, sales revenue from businesses disguised as secondhand transactions, and influencer undisclosed advertising revenue.
Additional points gathered from other Korean news sources:
The NTS is focusing on the rise of online platforms that make it easier to hide income.
The NTS will press criminal charges where appropriate.
The NTS is working to close loopholes that allow online content creators to evade taxes.
This comprehensive investigation underscores the NTS's commitment to ensuring tax fairness and transparency in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
