He has clarified multiple talking points that have stemmed from the issue.
In an Instagram post on Monday, January 26, Korean superstar Cha Eunwoo, a member of the boy band ASTRO, addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding his alleged tax deficiencies.
In various reports made by the Korean media, he is being accused of dodging 20 billion KRW (Korean won) (USD13.8 million) by setting up a shell company in order to pay a lower tax rate compared to personal income tax.
At present, the case is still being investigated, with the latest detail as of Monday being the 28-year-old actor-singer hiring the services of a top Korean law firm to represent him in the matter.
Despite that, Cha has since made a personal note to address the matter and opened it with an apology to the public.
“I sincerely bow my head and apologize for causing concern and disappointment to many people due to various recent matters involving myself,” he said, as translated by the Korean entertainment website Soompi.
He continued, “Taking this incident as an opportunity, I have deeply reflected on whether my attitude toward my duty as a citizen of the Republic of Korea, particularly regarding tax payments, was sufficiently rigorous.“
Eunwoo shared that he spent the past few days reflecting on the words he should offer to “convey even a little bit of my regret to those who were hurt by me.”
“I was worried that a lengthy explanation might sound like an excuse or even cause further fatigue, but I came to the conclusion that it is my duty to address this matter directly and offer my apology,” the superstar furthered.
The actor-idol then clarified that he wrote the message after finishing his daily duties as he is still undergoing the mandatory military service.
“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 military enlistment, and thus I enlisted without being able to complete the tax investigation procedures,” he shed light on the reason behind his enlistment as various speculations have sprung up regarding his decision to enlist.
“However, I deeply feel the responsibility for this misunderstanding, which also stemmed from my own shortcomings,” and added that if he were not a soldier atvthe moment, he would want to have “personally visit and bow my head to all those who were harmed by this incident.“
“With that sentiment, I am writing this letter with all my sincerity,” he also conveyed.
Eunwoo continued, “For the long period 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 unreserved love and support. Therefore, I am indescribably sorry for not even being able to repay but to have caused great pain and fatigue to all those who believed in and supported me despite my inadequacies and to the many people I have worked with.”
Recognizant of the issue at hand, he said that he will “faithfully participate in the tax-related procedures that will proceed in the future.“
“Furthermore, I will humbly accept the final decision made by the relevant authorities and take full responsibility accordingly,” Cha also noted.
Lastly, “In the future, I will reflect on myself more rigorously 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.”
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