South Korean singer-actor Cha Eun-Woo is under investigation by the National Tax Service over alleged tax evasion amounting to 20 billion won (about USD 13.6 million), according to several Korean media outlets on Thursday, January 22.

The ASTRO member was audited in July 2025 by the Seoul Regional Tax Office’s Investigation Division 4, which handles major tax cases, shortly before his military enlistment.

Authorities are probing a one-person company allegedly set up by Cha’s mother that was positioned between him and his agency, Fantagio, to split earnings and lower tax liabilities.

Tax officials said the company provided no real services and was used to shift income from higher individual income tax rates to lower corporate taxes.

Both Cha and his mother were summoned, with investigators concluding unpaid income taxes totaled 20 billion won. Fantagio was also ordered to pay an additional 8.2 billion won for processing false tax invoices.

Fantagio said the case has not been finalized and that Cha will cooperate with authorities and continue fulfilling his legal tax obligations.

Cha Eun Woo’s agency reportedly issued a statement addressing the matter, stating that the issue has not been confirmed nor officially notified.

“The key issue in this matter is whether the corporation established by Cha Eun Woo’s mother falls under the category of an entity subject to substantive taxation. Nothing has been finally confirmed or officially notified at this time, and we plan to actively clarify the matter in accordance with lawful procedures,” Fantiago said, as reported by Soompi media.

Cha is currently serving in the military and is set for discharge in January 2027.