Cha Eun Woo breaks silence on tax evasion allegations via Instagram post

Cha Eun Woo speaks up about his alleged tax evasion controversy.

On January 22, reports surfaced that singer and actor Cha Eun Woo underwent a tax audit last year by Seoul Regional Tax Office's Investigation Division 4 over suspected tax evasion and that the National Tax Service notified the actor of an additional tax assessment exceeding 20 billion won (about $13.6 million USD).

On January 26, Cha Eun posted a statement on his personal Instagram, writing:

Hello, this is Cha Eun Woo.

I sincerely bow my head in apology for causing concern and disappointment to many people due to various recent matters related to me.

Taking this incident as an opportunity, I have deeply reflected on whether my attitude toward fulfilling my duty to pay taxes as a citizen of the Republic of Korea was sufficiently rigorous.

Over the past few days, I have spent time reflecting, thinking hard about what I should say first so that even a little of my regret can be conveyed to those who were hurt because of me.

I was worried that a long explanation might sound like an excuse or even end up tiring [people] out, but I came to the conclusion that it is my duty to address this matter directly myself and offer my apology.

I am writing this after finishing my daily duties within the military unit.
Currently, I am serving in the military, but this was by no means an intentional choice to avoid this controversy. Last year, I was in a situation where I could no longer postpone my enlistment, and so I enlisted without being able to complete the tax investigation procedures.

However, I deeply feel the responsibility for this misunderstanding, which also stemmed from my own shortcomings. If I were not a soldier at the moment, I would want to personally visit and bow my head in apology to every single person who has suffered because of this incident. With that sentiment, I am writing this [post] with all my sincerity.

Over the long span of the past 11 years, despite having more shortcomings than possessions, I was able to be in this undeserved position as "Cha Eun Woo" thanks to your generous love and support.

That's why I feel indescribably apologetic for having ended up causing great hurt and fatigue to all those who have trusted and supported me despite my shortcomings and the many people I've worked with, when I should have been repaying them instead.

I will faithfully participate in the tax-related investigation procedures that will proceed in the future. Furthermore, I will humbly accept the final decision made by the authorities and take full responsibility accordingly.

In the future, I will look upon myself more strictly and live with a greater sense of responsibility, with the mindset of repaying the love I have received.

Once again, I sincerely apologize for causing concern.

January 26, 2026

Sincerely,
Cha Eun Woo

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