Actor and Astro member Cha Eun-woo is facing public and corporate backlash after South Korea’s National Tax Service (NTS) reportedly found him liable for tax evasion amounting to 20 billion won (US$13.6 million), one of the largest assessments for a Korean celebrity.
On Thursday (Jan 22), skincare brand Abib made promotional videos featuring Cha private on YouTube, rendering them unplayable. Abib also restricted posts on its Korean Instagram page and deleted announcements of Cha as brand ambassador on X (formerly Twitter). His image, however, remains on Abib’s global page and official website.
Similarly, advertisements for Shinhan Bank featuring Cha were made private across YouTube and social media channels on Friday morning (Jan 23). Cha had been representing the bank since early 2025.
The actor reportedly negotiated with the NTS to delay the issuance of official audit results until after his military enlistment, which began on July 28, 2025. He is scheduled for discharge in January 2027. Netizens criticised this as “special treatment,” accusing Cha of “running away” to military service in hopes that public attention would fade.
The backlash also extends to Cha’s management agency, Fantagio. Legal representatives clarified that the agency was established by Cha’s mother to manage his entertainment activities, countering claims that it is a “paper company.” Fans have attributed the controversy to perceived management failures in protecting Cha’s public image.
Fantagio stated on Thursday that the matter has not yet been finalised and that they plan to explain their position through legal procedures. They confirmed that Cha will cooperate fully with authorities.
Cha’s representatives have formally objected to the NTS pre-assessment. If the review is accepted, he will not have to pay the assessed amount. If rejected, payment may be required, though further legal disputes could continue.
