Actor Yoo Yeon-seok is embroiled in an unexpected tax evasion controversy. The penalty is reported to be a staggering 7 billion won, creating shock. However, the agency emphasizes the difference in interpretation of tax laws regarding corporate tax and personal tax on YouTube income.

On the 14th, Yoo Yeon-seok was unexpectedly caught up in a tax evasion controversy. The National Tax Service conducted a tax investigation on his entertainment agency, Forever Entertainment, and it was reported that they notified a penalty of 7 billion won.

Yoo Yeon-seok, who has been praised for his 'upright lifestyle' image, is already surprising to be embroiled in a tax evasion controversy, and the high penalty of 7 billion won adds to the shock.

Before Yoo Yeon-seok, actress Lee Ha-nee had been embroiled in controversy over a high tax penalty. Even Lee Ha-nee faced a penalty of 6 billion won. Yoo Yeon-seok's penalty alone makes it appear as though he is implicated in a larger suspicion.

However, Yoo Yeon-seok's agency, King Kong by Starship, noted that this matter arises from a difference in views on the interpretation and application of tax law, stating, 'We are currently in the stage of waiting for the tax authority's notification after undergoing a pre-tax examination.'

The penalty of 7 billion won is not a matter that has been definitively confirmed, and it is said that Yoo Yeon-seok's side plans to apply for a reassessment and actively clarify, depending on the interpretation, application, and procedures of tax law. In fact, in earlier reports, Yoo Yeon-seok's side emphasized the possibility that the penalty could be reduced to around 3 billion won.

In response, Yoo Yeon-seok's side explained, 'This arises from the tax authority interpreting the income generated from developing and producing YouTube content as personal income tax rather than corporate tax, due to the corporation's income over the past five years, which was operated as an extension of his entertainment activities and additional businesses related to the restaurant industry. Therefore, personal income tax was imposed on the portion that has already been reported as corporate revenue by the tax agent.'

Furthermore, he emphasized, 'We have prioritized the faithful fulfillment of our tax obligations,' stating, 'As a citizen, we will continue to thoroughly comply with relevant regulations and procedures and fulfill our responsibilities.' Ultimately, it appears that the key issue is whether Yoo Yeon-seok's income from YouTube will be recognized as corporate revenue or as his personal income.

[Photo] OSEN DB.

[OSEN = Reporter Yeon Hwi-sun]