Actor Lee Ha-nee, followed by Yoo Yeon-seok and Jo Jin-woong, has been revealed to have faced tax audits resulting in tax liabilities.

On the 22nd, Jo Jin-woong's agency, Saram Entertainment, clarified the results of the tax audit to OSEN, stating, "Jo Jin-woong was imposed approximately 1.1 billion won in taxes during the regular tax audit by the tax authorities, and he fully paid the imposed taxes in respect of the tax authorities' decision."

Saram Entertainment further explained, "This matter involved whether the revenue of the corporation established by actor Jo Jin-woong was subject to individual income tax, stemming from differences in the interpretation and application of tax laws between the tax agent and the tax authorities."

It emphasized, "Actor Jo Jin-woong reported and paid corporate taxes on the corporate revenue according to standard tax handling methods; however, the tax authorities additionally decided to impose income taxes on him." Furthermore, "Actor Jo Jin-woong promptly paid the full amount of the tax imposed by the tax authorities."

It was reported this morning that Jo Jin-woong was imposed a tax liability amounting to 1.1 billion won in a recent tax audit conducted by the Gangnam Tax Office in Seoul. Notably, Jo Jin-woong, similar to Lee Ha-nee and Yoo Yeon-seok, who have previously received tax liabilities amounting to hundreds of millions of won, was found to have established individual corporations to record income as corporate revenue and pay corporate taxes.

The highest corporate tax rate is 24%, while the highest personal income tax rate is 45%, showing a significant difference. The National Tax Service perceives the possibility of tax avoidance using corporations. Consequently, Lee Ha-nee was imposed a tax liability of 6 billion won, and Yoo Yeon-seok was imposed a tax of 7 billion won. However, regarding this, there is a conflict of opinion among experts and academia. In fact, Yoo Yeon-seok's side has also highlighted differences in tax law interpretations, indicating an intention to contest the amount of the tax liability.

Moreover, Saram Entertainment stated, "The decision by the tax authorities at that time was contrary to prevailing tax practices and is a contested issue among experts and academia," adding, "In order to seek a legal judgment regarding the tax authorities' decision, we cautiously filed a request for judgment from the Tax Tribunal, and the proceedings are currently ongoing. We have also identified several similar cases."

Additionally, it stated, "Actor Jo Jin-woong has consistently strived to fulfill his tax obligations as a citizen of South Korea and promises to adhere strictly to laws and procedures while fulfilling his responsibilities and obligations in the future."

[Photo] OSEN DB.

[OSEN]