Cha Eun-woo files appeal over 13 billion won tax assessment
ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo contested a 13 billion won tax assessment through South Korea's Tax Tribunal last month, after settling the disputed amount in April.
Cha Eun-woo has formally challenged a tax decision by South Korea's National Tax Service, according to his agency Fantagio. The singer-actor submitted an appeal to the Tax Tribunal last month, disputing an additional income tax assessment of approximately 13 billion won (US$9 million) that he paid earlier in 2026.
"Cha filed the appeal to receive a legal assessment, in accordance with the procedures established by law," Fantagio said in a statement on 2 August. The agency did not elaborate on the specific grounds of the challenge.
Under South Korean law, taxpayers have 90 days from receiving a tax bill to file an appeal if they believe the assessment is unlawful or unfair. Cha's move comes several months after the controversy first surfaced in January, when the tax service notified him of additional assessments exceeding 20 billion won, prompting questions about potential tax evasion.
In April, Cha publicly addressed the matter, confirming he had settled all outstanding tax obligations. At that time, he stated he was respecting the NTS's procedures and outcome, emphasising his desire to resolve the situation without further public confusion.
The appeal represents a standard legal recourse available to any taxpayer contesting an assessment. Cha, who gained prominence as a member of the K-pop group ASTRO and has since built a career spanning music and television drama, has not publicly disclosed the reasoning behind his challenge.
