Popular Actor Slapped With Billions Following “High-Intensity” Tax Audit, Sparks Backlash

On June 2, it was reported that the Seoul Regional Tax Office conducted an unscheduled, intense tax audit of Ji Chang Wook sometime this past March for several weeks.

During the investigation, the timing of recognition of earnings from his domestic and international activities, the legality of appearance settlement procedures, and details of expense processing through agencies and corporations were reviewed in depth.

The National Tax Service stated there were issues with certain expense handling and tax filings during the tax verification process, and levied back taxes accounting for billions of won.

They reported that this incident stemmed from the establishment and operation of agencies similar to those of actors Lee Yi Kyung and Lee Min Ki.

However, a tax industry insider stated, “We proceeded with the tax filings based on the judgment that these were legitimate expenses made for entertainment activities, but I understand that the tax authorities levied taxes by deeming them personal expenditure, for which legal recognition under tax law is unclear.”

K-Netizens expressed disappointment and agreed that all actors needed to be investigated.

• “I liked him…that’s too bad..see ya!”
• “Those who have more always want more.”
• “They need to investigate everyone.”
• “All the actors are getting exposed.”
• “When are they going to just use AI for actors?”
• “Celebrities make so much money, yet look at what they are doing. They all need to be investigated.”
• “Just pay your goddamn taxes!”

Meanwhile, his agency responded that they are currently “in the process of verifying the facts.”