(Following interview 1) Actress Lee Ha-nee calmly shared her feelings regarding the tax evasion allegations.
Recently, actress Lee Ha-nee conducted a video round interview for Netflix's "Aema" online.
"Aema" depicts the story of top star Hee-ran (played by Lee Ha-nee) and rookie actress Joo-ae (played by Bang Hyo-rin) bravely facing the dark reality hidden behind the glamorous spotlight during the birth of erotic films that swept Korea in the 1980s.
Lee Ha-nee had faced difficulties as she was embroiled in allegations of tax evasion, embezzlement, and breach of trust (penalizing specific property crimes) ahead of the release of her work.
Earlier, the Seoul Gangnam Police received a report requesting an investigation into the allegations of Lee Ha-nee's tax evasion and embezzlement/breach of trust (penalizing specific property crimes). A person surnamed A raised concerns over Lee Ha-nee being subjected to a high-intensity tax investigation by the National Tax Service in September last year, which resulted in her being assessed approximately 6 billion won in taxes. The person highlighted that Lee Ha-nee purchased real estate worth 6.5 billion won through a corporation established with a capital of 10 million won just two years after its founding.
In response, Lee Ha-nee's agency noted, "Lee Ha-nee diligently responded to the tax investigation conducted by the Seoul Regional Tax Service as part of an integrated periodic tax audit for corporate artist businesses," adding, "Lee Ha-nee has faithfully fulfilled her tax obligations. The recent tax was entirely paid due to a difference of perspective between the tax authorities and the tax agents and is not related to any intentional tax omissions."
During the interview, when asked about her feelings regarding the tax evasion allegations, Lee Ha-nee remarked, "There are always unfair things in life. It seems like it comes down to a difference of opinion. When you do this work, I think there are parts you have to accept as being a bit unfair."
She continued, "Honestly, more than anything, I couldn't help it, but I feel a bit sorry for having surprised and worried many people. Also, the work is not just mine. I had many thoughts about what would happen if there were disruptions because of me."
Lee Ha-nee stated, "There may be unfair aspects, but the judgment regarding (tax matters) is not completely concluded. I am currently going through the processes in the upper period. Although I have already paid the taxes, I am waiting for a review of whether it is indeed lawful. It's difficult for me to specifically say what is unfair as I am in the midst of the process."
She added, "Since I am still in the process, I am trying to keep my mind at peace. The investigation has been ongoing for almost four years now. It has been the situation since my first pregnancy and childbirth up to now," she said, laughing, "So now I have become more composed. If you take a big issue too seriously, it makes you sick. I just try to go on like this." (To be continued in interview 3.)
[Photo] OSEN DB
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