▲ A photo of Cha Eun-woo provided by his agency, Fantagio (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

celebrity-tax evasion

Singer-actor Cha Eun-woo says he has paid off taxes related to evasion allegations

SEOUL, April 8 (Yonhap) -- Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo said Wednesday he has paid off all taxes at the center of allegations that he engaged in large-scale tax evasion.

Cha, who is currently carrying out mandatory military service, took to social media to provide an update on the controversy and apologize again.

"I sincerely apologize for causing disappointment and confusion to many people, including my fans, with the recent tax controversy surrounding me," he wrote. "I respect the National Tax Service's procedures and outcome, and have paid all the related taxes so that the confusion does not continue."

In January, Cha was reported to have been notified by the tax service of additional income tax assessments exceeding 20 billion won (US$13.6 million), raising suspicions of tax evasion.

He apologized at the time and promised to cooperate with the tax authorities.

"As I have received the love and support of many people, this issue hits me more heavily and deeply," Cha wrote Wednesday. "If there was anything that I didn't properly take care of, that responsibility also falls on me. I will not evade it by saying 'I didn't know' or 'It was someone else's judgment.'"

Cha also addressed allegations that he paid a lower tax rate by signing a management contract with a company established by his mother.

"At a time when I was experiencing various changes and confusion during my career, (my mother) established the company as part of preparations for a more stable career," he said. "Looking back, there were areas that I didn't properly take care of in that process, and the responsibility lies not with my family or company, but with me."

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