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.

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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.