The Korea Times
The tax controversy surrounding K-pop star and actor Cha Eun-woo has drawn fresh attention after a practicing accountant stepped in to counter claims that his recent payment was a “loophole” or delayed compliance. On April 9, attorney and certified accountant Kim Myung-gyu shared an analysis on social media aimed at “non-experts,” explaining the background behind reports that Cha paid 13 billion won (approximately $9.6 million) after facing tax evasion allegations. Kim said public criticism has focused on “why the payment was made only now,” but argued that, if the reported amount is accurate, the sum should be understood not as unpaid taxes but as an additional levy imposed after review — and that the timing was part of a standard process, not a late payment. “He did not fail to pay — he could not pay earlier,” Kim said, explaining that Cha had been undergoing a pre-assessment review with the National Tax Service, a procedure that allows taxpayers to challenge the validity of a tax claim before a formal notice is issued. According to Kim, no official payment notice i
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