Cha Eunwoo’s Apology Ignites Stronger Suspicions And Backlash Amid Tax Evasion Scandal

Cha Eunwoo’s recent apology over his tax-related controversy has done little to quell public criticism.

While the statement expressed remorse and acknowledged his military service, many netizens are calling it vague and evasive.

ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo Personally Speaks Up About Tax Evasion Controversy

Netizens pointed out that his statement avoided directly addressing the unpaid taxes and fines, instead emphasizing personal reflection and the timing of his military enlistment. The mention of his enlistment and its timing have, in particular, sparked even stronger suspicions among netizens, who deemed it a deflection.

I am currently writing this after finishing my daily duties within the military unit. Although I am serving in the military at present, this was by no means an intentional choice to avoid this controversy. Last year, circumstances arose where I could no longer delay my enlistment, and as a result, I entered the military without being able to fully conclude the tax investigation procedures.

— Cha Eunwoo in his apology

The reactions indicate that, instead of easing the controversy, Cha Eunwoo’s apology has intensified scrutiny. Despite him personally speaking up and apologizing, netizens insist that the idol-actor should be punished as soon as possible.

• “There are still a lot of celebrities born in ’97 who haven’t gone to the military yet. Are these claims for real? What couldn’t he postpone? There’s no direct mention of taxes, and who exactly is he apologizing to? Even the statement is so incompetent.”
• “As he hires a top law firm… LMAO. I see everyone else thought so, too.”
• “This statement is worse than not writing anything. It avoids all the key points.”
• “Go National Tax Service! Collect everything and win every case.”
• “What does he even mean by ‘I would want to personally visit each and every person who was affected by this incident, bow my head, and apologize directly’? Who exactly would he go to? Feels like they just recycled a generic apology. Just pay your unpaid taxes and fines.”
• “He hired a law firm and then released this apology lol. Could’ve just paid the taxes immediately.”
• “No need for apologies, just pay your taxes. Don’t talk so much while still avoiding your obligations.”

Recently, experts have weighed in on the punishment Cha Eunwoo could suffer, with the idol potentially facing a prison sentence if intentional tax evasion is proven.

ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo Could Face Prison And Fines Up To 50 Billion