Actress Lee Ha-Ni (43) mentioned regarding the 'tax evasion' suspicion that has surprised the public, 'There are unfair parts,' while also stating, 'I'm waiting with composure as I am still in the process of awaiting results.'
Recently, in a virtual press interview conducted ahead of the release of the new Netflix series 'Aema' (directed by Lee Hae-Young), Lee Ha-Ni opened up for the first time regarding the tax evasion allegations that arose when it became known that she had paid a fine amounting to about 6 billion won.
She started by saying, 'First, I feel sorry for causing concern due to personal matters ahead of the public release of a work completed with the dedication of many people,' and then noted, 'It's an unavoidable situation caused by differences in interpretation, but I feel quite heavy-hearted as it seems to have surprised the public.'
She continued, 'Of course, there are unfair parts, but it's still not a situation where a complete judgment on the issue has been reached, so it is difficult to speak in detail.' She added, 'I have already paid all the taxes, but we are going through procedures to clarify the legal status. As I am undergoing a long process, I am trying to maintain a calm mindset.'
She stated, 'In fact, I have been under tax investigation for four years. I have been under investigation since the time of my first child, so now I am in a much more composed state compared to the past.' She added, 'If you take a big matter too seriously, it can make you sick. So, I am trying to keep my mind as relaxed as possible and patiently waiting for the results.'
Previously, Lee Ha-Ni underwent a periodic integrated tax investigation for corporate artists at the Seoul Regional Tax Service last year, during which she paid additional taxes amounting to 6 billion won.
It has been reported that issues arose from the fact that his corporation, Hope Project, paid 2.7 billion won in salaries despite having no regular employees from 2021 to 2023, and that the corporation, established with an initial capital of 10 million won, purchased a building for 6.45 billion won in corporate name just two years after its establishment.
This building, located at Hanam-dong in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, is a structure of basement level 1 and two above-ground floors. It served as the corporate address from March 2018 to October 2020 and is currently operating as a restaurant. It is situated along the main road of Soonchunhyang Hospital and is expected to increase in value due to the redevelopment project across at Hanam District 3.
As the tax evasion allegations surfaced, Lee Ha-Ni's agency, Team Hope, stated through a statement, 'As a citizen of Korea, we have fulfilled our duty to pay taxes in accordance with the law and procedures. The reclaimed taxes are attributed to a 'difference in legal interpretation.'
Regarding the suspicion about the source of funds for the building purchase, she explained, 'Due to the death of the owner after the initial contract (in 2017), it took three years until the payment of the balance and final contract timing (in 2020). Therefore, the first loan date was in 2020.' She further stated, 'During the property acquisition, a source of funds investigation was conducted, and sufficient documentation, including proof of income and financial transaction details, was submitted, with all procedures carried out legally.'
Subsequently, news of Lee Ha-Ni's second pregnancy was revealed. After marrying her non-celebrity husband in December 2021, Lee Ha-Ni gave birth to her first daughter in June the following year and welcomed her second daughter on the 24th.
Her new work 'Aema' was released worldwide on Netflix on the 22nd.