Actor Yoo Yeon-seok is suddenly embroiled in a tax evasion controversy, causing shock.
On the morning of the 14th, allegations of Yoo Yeon-seok's tax evasion emerged. A media outlet reported that the National Tax Service conducted a tax audit on Forever Entertainment, which Yoo Yeon-seok represents, and notified a tax penalty of 7 billion won.
The fact that the tax penalty is 7 billion won caused shock. Recently, actor Lee Ha-nee faced controversy over a tax penalty of 6 billion won, so Yoo Yeon-seok's penalty surpassing that intensified the shock.
However, his agency expressed a reserved stance regarding the calculation of the 7 billion won penalty. Yoo Yeon-seok's agency, King Kong by Starship, stated in an official position this afternoon that "this matter stems from differences in interpretation and application of tax laws between the tax representative and the tax authority" and added that "we are currently waiting for the tax authority's notification after undergoing pre-tax review."
Additionally, "this is not a matter that has been finally confirmed and notified, and we will actively clarify the issues related to the interpretation and application of the law through proper procedures," and explained, "This matter stems from the fact that the tax authority interpreted the income of the corporate body, which has been operating additional businesses and restaurant operations based on developing and producing YouTube content in the extension of Yoo Yeon-seok's entertainment activities, as an income tax payment rather than corporate tax, leading to the imposition of individual income tax on parts that the tax representative reported as corporate revenue."
Above all, Yoo Yeon-seok's side emphasized that "we have always prioritized the faithful fulfillment of tax obligations" and noted that "we will continue to comply thoroughly with relevant laws and procedures as a citizen."
However, regardless of Yoo Yeon-seok's explanation, image damage was inevitable. Furthermore, Yoo Yeon-seok is set to star in the upcoming SBS drama 'Shin Lee and Law Office', which is scheduled to premiere in August. In this work, Yoo Yeon-seok is reported to play the role of a lawyer who punishes evil. Criticism regarding the appropriateness of Yoo Yeon-seok's casting amid the tax penalty controversy has been raised. However, SBS has not provided a separate statement regarding this matter.
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]