Cha Eunwoo Tax Evasion Controversy: $13.7 Million Allegation Clouds Donation History

The golden boy of K-pop is facing his darkest hour. ASTRO member and actor Cha Eunwoo has been accused of tax evasion totaling up to $13.7 million (approx. 20 billion KRW). As the news breaks, netizens are scrutinizing his past philanthropic efforts with a skeptical eye.

Cha Eunwoo Tax Evasion Controversy: Donations Labeled as 'Image Making'

A comprehensive list of Cha Eunwoo's donations has resurfaced on online communities like theqoo. The record shows he donated ₩10 million for the 2019 Sokcho Fire, ₩30 million during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and most recently contributed to the Gyeongsang Province Wildfire Relief in March 2025. Despite these acts, the reaction from the public has been overwhelmingly negative.

Netizens argue that these donations, often in the range of $7,500 to $22,000, are a "needle in a haystack" compared to the alleged $13.7 million in unpaid taxes. Comments ranging from "That's all?" to accusations of being "frugal with his money while evading taxes" have flooded social media, signaling a massive shift in public sentiment.

Brands Retreat and the '97-Liner' Connection

The fallout is already impacting his commercial value. According to industry insiders, a major skincare brand has started removing Cha Eunwoo’s promotional material from their platforms. The controversy has also dragged in his social circle, known as the 97-liners, while past TV appearances on shows like You Quiz on the Block are being mocked as hypocritical in light of the current allegations.