Cha Eunwoo has formally challenged a 13 billion won tax assessment after paying the full amount demanded by South Korea’s National Tax Service. His agency, Fantagio, said on August 2, 2026, that the singer and actor submitted a petition to the Tax Tribunal in early July. The appeal argues that the assessment was improper and asks authorities to review whether the tax decision was legally justified.
“Cha Eunwoo has filed a tax appeal through the legal procedures provided under the law to seek a legal determination,” the agency shared. “As the matter is currently under review, we ask for your understanding that we are unable to comment further.”
The dispute began after tax officials investigated income distributed through a private agency registered under Cha Eunwoo’s mother’s name. Local reports published in January 2026 said the National Tax Service considered the company a paper company and first calculated taxes of more than 20 billion won. Eunwoo requested a review before the final assessment, but it was eventually rejected. Following later adjustments, including changes connected to possible double taxation, the final bill was reduced to 13 billion won. The ASTRO member paid that amount in full.
📰 [EXCLUSIVE] It has been confirmed that singer and actor Cha Eunwoo filed an appeal with the Tax Tribunal against the National Tax Service (NTS) after paying approximately 13 billion KRW (~$10 million USD) in unpaid back taxes.
According to a comprehensive investigation by… pic.twitter.com/HQAnvG4VMS
— CHA EUNWOO 차은우 INTERNATIONAL (@ChaEunwooINTL) August 2, 2026
Cha Eunwoo’s full payment allows the case to move forward without an unpaid balance. A tax appeal normally must be filed within 90 days after receiving the notice or learning about the assessment. If the Tax Tribunal rules in his favor, he may receive a refund. If the appeal is unfavorable, he can still challenge the decision through an administrative lawsuit. Meanwhile, Cha Eunwoo enlisted in July 2025 and is currently serving in the military band, as part of South Korea’s mandatory military period for male citizens in the country.

