ASTRO member Cha Eun-woo (Lee Dong-min) will maintain his position in the military band despite the tax evasion controversy.
On the 6th, the Ministry of National Defense responded to a civil complaint requesting a review of the appropriateness of Cha Eun-woo’s military band position, stating, “Since it does not fall under the reasons for position change stipulated in Article 14 of the Ministry of National Defense Personnel Management Instruction (Reassignment, etc.), he is continuing in his current position.”
The complainant had requested a review of his reassignment in late January and submitted a follow-up complaint on April 9, the day after Cha Eun-woo’s side apologized again for the tax controversy and announced that all collected taxes had been paid on April 8.
The case was handled by the Inspection Office of the Ministry of National Defense Support Group. According to Article 14, reasons for reassignment include: inability to perform duties due to accident or illness; inevitable adjustments due to unit dissolution, reorganization, or security disqualification; or cases where the Chief of Staff of each military branch deems reassignment necessary for perpetrators, victims, or those under disciplinary action related to incidents such as assault. Tax collection by the National Tax Service or causing social controversy are not listed as explicit reasons.
However, the Ministry of National Defense appears to be effectively blocking his promotional exposure. On January 28, videos featuring Cha Eun-woo on “KFN Plus,” a YouTube channel operated by the Defense Media Agency, were switched to private. This is being interpreted as a dual approach: maintaining his position while excluding him from public relations.
Previously, the National Tax Service raised issues regarding a management service contract Cha Eun-woo signed with a corporation established by his family, resulting in the collection of a large amount of income tax. The amount was reportedly in the 20 billion won range.
On the 8th of last month, Cha Eun-woo’s side announced that all notified taxes had been paid. The payment amount was around 13 billion won. It was reported that a refund occurred as some of the previously paid corporate and value-added taxes were recognized as double taxation. Cha Eun-woo stated, “I sincerely apologize for causing disappointment and confusion to many people, including my fans, due to the tax controversy.”
Cha Eun-woo enlisted in July last year and is currently serving as a corporal in the military band. His expected discharge date is January 2027.
