After $9.6 mil. tax payment, Cha Eun-woo faces new petition seeking military role review

Cha Eun-woo / Xportsnews

Singer-actor Cha Eun-woo is facing renewed scrutiny even after paying a large tax bill and issuing a public apology, with a new petition calling for a review of his military assignment.

A petitioner identified as A said Thursday they had filed a follow-up complaint with the Ministry of National Defense, requesting a reassessment of Cha’s position in the military band.

The move comes a day after Cha confirmed he had fully paid 13 billion won ($9.6 million) in personal income tax following a high-profile tax investigation.

Cha had reportedly been notified of a tax reassessment exceeding 20 billion won during an intensive audit by the Seoul Regional Tax Office last year. However, overlapping taxes — including corporate and value-added taxes already paid — were subject to refund procedures.

In a statement, the singer-actor addressed the controversy directly.

“As someone who has received a great deal of love and support, I take this matter very seriously,” he said. “If there were areas I failed to fully review, the responsibility lies entirely with me. I will not avoid it by saying I did not know or that it was someone else’s judgment.”

Despite the apology, the petitioner argued that Cha’s continued role in the military band — a unit often involved in public-facing performances and promotional events — should be reconsidered.

Cha Eun-woo / Xportsnews

“A soldier who serves in a highly representative role and is frequently exposed to the public should have their assignment reviewed in light of its impact on the military’s public trust, symbolism and morale,” the petitioner said.

They added that maintaining such a position without reassessment after a widely debated controversy could lead to “relative deprivation and lowered morale” among other service members.

“The military band, unlike internal roles, directly affects public perception and institutional credibility,” the petitioner said, stressing that the issue should be seen not as a personal matter but as one related to military discipline and organizational integrity.

The petitioner also called on relevant military departments to clarify the review process and take “swift and decisive action” if necessary.

The petitioner had filed a similar complaint in January when allegations of tax irregularities first surfaced. At the time, the defense ministry said there were no ongoing discussions or decisions regarding a change in Cha’s assignment, noting that such matters fall under command authority and are handled in accordance with military personnel regulations.

Cha enlisted in July last year and is currently serving in the military band. He is scheduled to be discharged on Jan. 27, 2027.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.