Actor and ASTRO member Cha Eun Woo has filed a tax appeal after fully paying approximately 13 billion won (about $9.5 million) in reassessed taxes, requesting a legal review of the National Tax Service’s (NTS) decision.
According to reports on August 2, Cha Eun Woo submitted the appeal to the Tax Tribunal in early July, shortly before the deadline for challenging the tax assessment.
His agency, Fantagio, confirmed that the appeal was filed through official procedures but said details could not be shared because the matter is still under review.
“Cha Eun Woo filed the tax appeal in accordance with the procedures provided by law in order to receive a legal review. As the matter is currently ongoing, we cannot comment on specific details,” Fantagio stated.
The tax issue first gained attention in January after reports said Cha Eun Woo had undergone an investigation by the NTS over concerns about income reporting through a one-person agency established under his mother’s name.
The NTS reportedly determined that the company, which listed Cha Eun Woo as its only artist, did not provide actual entertainment services and classified it as a company without real business operations.
According to TheChosun, the tax authority initially issued an assessment estimated at around 20 billion won.
📰 ‘Respecting the National Tax Service’s Results’, Cha Eunwoo’s Appeal… Why He Paid 13 Billion KRW in Full Yet Challenges the ‘Tax Assessment’
“Singer and actor Cha Eunwoo has filed an appeal against the National Tax Service’s (NTS) tax assessment after paying all of the… pic.twitter.com/2940Bduhdp
— CHA EUNWOO 차은우 INTERNATIONAL (@ChaEunwooINTL) August 2, 2026
Cha Eun Woo Continues Tax Fight
Cha Eun Woo’s side reportedly requested a pre-assessment review before the final tax decision was made, but the request was rejected.
After adjustments, including matters related to double taxation, the final reassessed amount was reduced to approximately 13 billion won, which Cha Eun Woo paid in full in April, AllKPop reported.
At the time, Cha Eun Woo addressed the situation while serving in the military and said he would respect the NTS process while cooperating with further procedures.
“I respect the NTS’ procedures and decision, and I have paid all related taxes so that further confusion does not continue. I will faithfully cooperate with the remaining procedures,” he said.
His decision to appeal after making the payment has since drawn attention. However, paying the amount first allowed him to avoid additional late payment charges while keeping his right to challenge the assessment.
Tax experts noted that filing an appeal is a legal option available to taxpayers. Even after paying a tax bill, a person can request a review if they believe the assessment was incorrect or if they have additional evidence to present.
The Tax Tribunal is expected to make a final decision after Cha Eun Woo completes his military service. If the appeal is accepted, he may receive a refund of the paid taxes. If it is rejected, he could consider further legal action through an administrative lawsuit.
Cha Eun Woo enlisted in the Army Band in July of last year and remains active in military service while the tax appeal process continues.