Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo expressed his position regarding recent allegations of 20 billion won tax evasion.
Cha Eun-woo posted a long statement on his personal social media on Jan. 26 addressing the 20 billion won tax evasion allegations directly.
He first said, "I sincerely bow my head and apologize for causing concern and disappointment to many people due to various matters related to me recently," and said, "Through this incident I am reflecting deeply on whether my attitude toward fulfilling my duty to pay taxes as a citizen of Korea has been sufficiently strict."
In particular, Cha Eun-woo addressed allegations that he enlisted to avoid scrutiny, saying, "I am writing this after finishing my day inside the unit. I am currently performing military service, but this was by no means an intentional choice to avoid this controversy. Last year my enlistment reached a point where it could no longer be postponed, and I enlisted without being able to complete the tax audit procedures."
He added, "Over the past 11 years, despite having more shortcomings than possessions, I have been able to be in the undeserved position of 'Cha Eun-woo' thanks to the love and support you generously sent. Therefore, I feel indescribably sorry for causing great hurt and fatigue to all those who have believed in and supported my insufficient self and many people I have worked with, even if I may not be able to repay them."
He said, "I will faithfully participate in the tax-related procedures that will proceed later. I will also humbly accept the results according to the final decision made by the relevant agencies and fulfill the responsibilities that follow," adding, "I will look at myself more strictly going forward and live with a greater sense of responsibility to repay the love I have received. Once again, I sincerely apologize for causing concern."
The following is Cha Eun-woo's full statement.
Hello. I am Cha Eun-woo.
I sincerely bow my head and apologize for causing concern and disappointment to many people due to various matters related to me recently.
Through this incident I am reflecting deeply on whether my attitude toward fulfilling my duty to pay taxes as a citizen of Korea has been sufficiently strict.
Over the past few days, I have spent time reflecting and worrying about what to say first and whether my remorse could in some way reach those I have hurt because of me.
I worried that a long, detailed letter might sound like an excuse or instead cause fatigue, but I came to the view that it is my duty to speak directly about this matter and apologize.
I am writing this after finishing my day inside the unit. I am currently performing military service, but this was by no means an intentional choice to avoid this controversy. Last year my enlistment reached a point where it could no longer be postponed, and I enlisted without being able to complete the tax audit procedures.
However, this misunderstanding also stems from my shortcomings, and I fully accept responsibility. If I were not in the status of a soldier, I would like to visit each person who was harmed by this matter and apologize with a bowed head, and it is with that sincere feeling that I am writing this.
Over the past 11 years, despite having more shortcomings than possessions, I have been able to be in the undeserved position of 'Cha Eun-woo' thanks to the love and support you generously sent. Therefore, I feel indescribably sorry for causing great hurt and fatigue to all those who have believed in and supported my insufficient self and many people I have worked with, and I am deeply sorry.
I will faithfully participate in the taxes-related procedures that will proceed later. I will also humbly accept the results according to the final decision made by the relevant agencies and fulfill the responsibilities that follow.
I will look at myself more strictly going forward and live with a greater sense of responsibility to repay the love I have received.
Once again, I sincerely apologize for causing concern.
Jan. 26, 2026
Cha Eun-woo
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]