According to officials from the Ganghwa County Office, an inspection was carried out on January 26 at a Ganghwa-based address registered as the business location of Cha Eun-woo’s company. The inspection followed public controversy surrounding the actor. However, authorities found no office equipment, furniture, or facilities suitable for business operations at the site.
The address in question belonged to an eel restaurant opened in 2020 under the name of Cha Eun-woo’s mother and operated for approximately five years. After Cha Eun-woo enlisted in the military in July last year, the restaurant closed for remodeling. Construction work has since been halted, and the location is currently not in operation.
A Ganghwa County official stated that the absence of office infrastructure made it difficult to recognize the space as a legitimate business office. On the same day the inspection took place, the company submitted a request to change its registered address to Gangnam District, and the relocation was processed immediately.
Contrary to some reports suggesting otherwise, the company registered at the eel restaurant address was confirmed to be officially registered as a popular culture and arts planning business, which prompted the inspection. It was also reported that Cha Eun-woo operates two separate companies, one of which is registered under this category while the other is not.
Previously, Cha Eun-woo was investigated by the Seoul Regional Tax Office over alleged tax issues, with reports indicating that authorities recently notified him of a tax assessment exceeding 200 billion won. In response, his agency Fantagio stated on January 22 that the core issue concerns whether a company established by Cha Eun-woo’s mother qualifies as a taxable entity. The agency emphasized that the matter has not been finalized and that it plans to actively clarify legal interpretations through proper procedures.
On January 26, Cha Eun-woo personally addressed the controversy through social media, apologizing for causing concern and stating that he is reflecting deeply on his responsibility as a citizen to fulfill his tax obligations. Fantagio later reiterated that both the company and the artist are cooperating fully with ongoing procedures and will take appropriate action once legal and administrative judgments are finalized.
Sources: Daum