South Korean singer-actor Cha Eun-woo has made a public appearance during his military service, just months after resolving a high-profile tax dispute that drew widespread attention.
Photos and videos of the star, dressed in formal military attire, performing with the military band on April 23 quickly went viral across social media platforms. In the clips, he is seen delivering a precise salute and singing g.o.d’s classic track “One Candle,” with fans noting his steady vocals and unchanged appearance, often referred to as his “face genius” status.
However, the positive reaction from supporters has been tempered by lingering public discussion over his recent tax settlement. In January, Cha was notified of an additional tax assessment totaling approximately 20 billion won ($14.8 million) following an audit by the National Tax Service. The case raised questions about his use of corporate structures, including entities linked to family members, which authorities said were used to reduce tax liabilities.
PHOTO | KFN
In a statement released on April 8, Cha apologized for the disappointment caused, saying, “I respect the procedures and results of the National Tax Service and have paid all related taxes to prevent further confusion.” His agency, Fantagio, later clarified that after adjustments for overlapping tax items, the final amount paid was around 13 billion won ($9.5 million), with refunds being processed for certain portions previously paid.
Cha enlisted in the Army on July 28, 2025, after being accepted into the Ministry of National Defense’s military band. He completed basic training and is scheduled to be discharged on January 27, 2027. While many fans have expressed relief at seeing him well and fulfilling his national duty, others continue to raise concerns about the circumstances surrounding the tax issue, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny faced by public figures in South Korea over financial matters.
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