Cha Eun-woo’s Tax Investigation: What You Need to Know About Celebrity Tax Evasion in Korea

[iNews24 Reporter Kim Daun] On February 10, the Korea Taxpayers’ Alliance, a civic organization, called on police to investigate the leak of tax audit information concerning singer and actor Cha Eun-woo. This group had previously filed a report on celebrity tax evasion in 2011, but the case was dismissed without charges.

The Taxpayers’ Alliance submitted a complaint to the National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency. They are seeking punishment for the unidentified tax official who leaked the information and the journalist who first reported it based on that leaked data.

The organization argues that these actions violate both the Personal Information Protection Act and the Criminal Act regarding the disclosure of official secrets.

They stated, “The accused have violated the confidentiality principles guaranteed by the National Tax Basic Act and infringed upon taxpayers’ rights by unlawfully disclosing specific tax information related to Cha Eun-woo’s audit. It’s unacceptable for tax information to be leaked and social stigma to be attached simply because someone is a public figure.”

This isn’t the first time the Taxpayers’ Alliance has taken action regarding celebrity tax evasion reports.

In 2011, they filed a complaint with prosecutors against 32 officials from the National Tax Service and tax office related to allegations of celebrity tax evasion. However, authorities dismissed the case the following year due to insufficient evidence.

Recently, reports emerged that Cha Eun-woo received a notice from the National Tax Service regarding the collection of over 20 billion KRW (approximately 15 million USD) in income tax, raising suspicions of tax evasion.

In response, he stated, “I sincerely apologize and will diligently comply with all ongoing tax-related procedures.”