Cha Eun-woo Breaks Silence: Apology from the Army and the Truth Behind the 14 Million

The controversy surrounding Cha Eun-woo has reached its boiling point this Monday. What began as press reports about a massive debt has transformed today into a confirmed reality that hurts fans: the actor and Idol has issued an official apology from his military service, while details emerge of the legal battle his agency, Fantagio, is waging against the National Tax Service (NTS).

The Cha Eun-woo case is no longer just a distant rumor; today we have statements from the actor himself, forensic analysis of the alleged evasion of more than 20 billion won (approx. $14 million USD), and Fantagio’s defense strategy. Here we bring you the complete and human update of the last 24 hours on what happened.

Cha Eun-woo Officially Apologizes: “I Will Accept the Authorities’ Decision”

The most important news of the day is that Nunu has decided not to wait any longer. Despite fulfilling his duty like every Korean man in the Military Service, where he has been part of the military band since July, the actor felt the need to address us. This Monday, he posted a message on social media addressing the accusations for the first time, with a tone that denotes heaviness.

“I deeply apologize for the controversy and promise to faithfully comply with all tax-related procedures from now on,” wrote the Astro’s star. “I will humbly accept the final decision of the authorities and take full responsibility.”

Cha Eun Woo from astro instagram apology

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Additionally, the Idol and actor took the opportunity to deny one of the most damaging theories circulating that questioned his integrity: that his enlistment was an escape. “My enlistment was not an intentional choice to avoid this controversy,” he assured firmly, explaining that he could no longer postpone his service even though the tax investigation against Cha Eun-woo was already underway last year.

The Legal Battle: Legitimate Business or Paper Company?

To truly understand why Eun-woo faces such an overwhelming figure, we must look beyond the headline and understand the legal conflict. According to reports confirmed by The Korea Times, tax authorities have labeled the company founded by Cha Eun-woo‘s mother as a “paper company” with no real activity.

However, Cha Eun-woo‘s defense is specific and seeks to clarify the situation. His agency, Fantagio, argues that the core issue is whether this company qualifies as a “legitimate subject of taxation.”

Cha Eun-woo’s Defense: Astro‘s member legal team had already requested a “pre-assessment review” to dispute the NTS decision. They argue it is a matter of interpreting tax law regarding how earnings were distributed between the agency, the family business, and Cha Eun-woo himself.
The Accusation: The NTS maintains, conversely, that Cha Eun-woo used this structure intentionally to hide income.

The Scheme: Cha Eun-woo‘s Company in an Eel Restaurant

Legal expert Kim Myung-gyu explained today why the feared Investigation Bureau 4 is after Cha Eun-woo. The structure seems “too intentional” in the eyes of the law to be considered a simple administrative oversight:

Unusual Location: Cha Eun-woo‘s family company was registered at an eel restaurant on Ganghwa Island, far from any corporate office in Seoul.
Tax Benefit: By doing so, Cha Eun-woo would have paid a low corporate rate (10-20%) instead of the high personal rate (up to 45%) and avoided high real estate taxes in Gangnam.
The Debt: Of the 20 billion won claimed from Cha Eun-woo, a large part (almost 40%) corresponds to fines for intentional underreporting.

A Silent Goodbye: Brands Begin to Erase Cha Eun-woo

Perhaps the saddest part of this day has been seeing the immediate reaction of the commercial world. With the confirmation of the investigation and Cha Eun-woo‘s public apology, brands that until yesterday celebrated his image have stopped waiting for the resolution of the “pre-assessment review.”

It is devastating to see how Shinhan Bank has today deleted all traces of Cha Eun-woo from its social media and YouTube channel. The irony is painful: the bank had hired Cha Eun-woo looking for a trustworthy face after the departure of its previous ambassador, and now, without a word, they erase his smile as if he had never been there.

Similarly, skincare brand Abib has acted silently but forcefully, setting Cha Eun-woo‘s ads on YouTube to “private” and scrubbing their Instagram. For fans, seeing these images disappear feels like an erasure of Cha Eun-woo‘s success story.

It is estimated that Cha Eun-woo earned tens of billions of won in advertising during the investigated period, being the face of global brands like Yves Saint Laurent and Calvin Klein. Now, in addition to the tax debt, Cha Eun-woo could face multi-million dollar lawsuits for reputational damage. While Fantagio and law firm Shin & Kim try to prove the legitimacy of the family business, we all hope this situation clears up and that the “visual genius,” Cha Eun-woo, can have the opportunity to rectify and regain lost trust.

🧐 FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the Cha Eun-woo Case

Here we answer the most urgent questions from the fandom (AROHA) and the general public, based on confirmed facts and Nunu’s own words.

1. What exactly does Cha Eun-woo’s apology message say?

Exclusive Translation: Cha Eun-woo’s Apology Letter This is the complete and faithful translation of the message Cha Eun-woo posted on his Instagram on January 26, 2026:

“Hello. I am Cha Eun-woo.
Recently, due to various matters related to me, I bow my head and sincerely apologize for causing concern and disappointment to many people.
In the wake of this incident, I am reflecting deeply and looking back on myself, questioning whether my attitude toward tax obligations as a citizen of the Republic of Korea was strict enough.
Over the past few days, I took time to reflect on what words I should say first and if my feeling of regret could be conveyed, even a little, to those who have been hurt because of me.
I worried that a long text might sound like an excuse or, conversely, cause more fatigue, but I concluded that the right thing was to speak directly about this matter and apologize.
Currently, I am writing this message after finishing my daily tasks within my military unit. Although I am serving in the military, my choice to enlist was never an intentional decision to avoid this controversy. Last year, I reached a situation where I could no longer postpone my enlistment, so I enlisted without having been able to complete the tax investigation procedure.
However, as this is also a misunderstanding derived from my own shortcomings, I feel a deep responsibility. If I were not a soldier right now, I would write this with the desire to visit each of the people affected by this matter and bow my head to apologize sincerely.
During the last 11 years, I, who have more shortcomings than possessions, could be in this undeserved place called ‘Cha Eun-woo’ thanks to the unconditional love and support you all sent me. Therefore, I feel indescribable guilt for having caused a great wound and fatigue instead of rewarding all the people who trusted me and supported me, and the many people who have worked with me.
I will faithfully participate in the tax procedures that take place in the future. Furthermore, I will humbly accept the result according to the final decision made by the relevant authorities and will fulfill my responsibility accordingly.
In the future, I will look at myself with greater rigor and live with a heavier sense of responsibility to reward the love I have received so far.
Once again, I sincerely apologize for causing concern.
January 26, 2026. Cha Eun-woo.”

2. Is it true that this situation dates back to before he entered military service?

Yes, it is true. Cha Eun-woo himself confirmed in his statement that the tax investigation began last year. He explained that he enlisted “without having been able to complete the tax investigation procedure” because he could no longer postpone his entry date by law, firmly denying that he fled to the army to escape the problem.

full translation of cha eunwoo apology on instagram — Nunu´s Instagram apology

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3. How can I support Nunu in this difficult time?

Although the situation is legally complex, as fans, the best thing is to remain calm and avoid spreading unconfirmed rumors. Cha Eun-woo has asked for forgiveness and promised to rectify his mistakes. We can send him messages of encouragement on his social networks (even if he cannot reply now) and wait for him to complete his service and resolve his legal matters. He said himself that his intention is “to reward the love received” in the future.

4. Can Cha Eun-woo go to jail for this?

It is a possibility, but not definitive. The case is being handled by the NTS Investigation Bureau 4, which handles potential tax crimes. If authorities manage to prove there was an “intent to conceal income” (fraud), the case could be referred to the prosecution. However, if his defense manages to prove it was an administrative error or interpretation regarding his family business, it could be resolved with only financial fines.

5. What are all the brands he has/had contracts with and which ones have canceled?

Cha Eun-woo is one of the advertising kings (CF King).

Brands that have reacted (Canceled/Hidden): Shinhan Bank (bank) and Abib (skincare).
Brands with current/recent contracts under scrutiny: Yves Saint Laurent, Chaumet, Calvin Klein, The North Face, Giordano, Nescafé, LG Uplus, Norang Food, and Bodyfriend (this last contract expires next month).

6. What will happen with the premiere of the drama “The Wonder Fools”?

The future of the drama is uncertain. Netflix planned to release “The Wonder Fools”, starring Cha Eun-woo and Park Eun-bin, in the second quarter of this year (2026). However, with the ongoing investigation and the negative impact on public opinion, the platform could delay the premiere indefinitely until the legal situation clears up.

7. Why is there talk of an “eel restaurant” in this case?

This is the key detail of the investigation. The company Cha Eun-woo created under his mother’s name was legally registered at a grilled eel restaurant on Ganghwa Island, a rural area, instead of an office in Seoul. Authorities suspect this was done to pay fewer taxes and avoid high real estate rates in Gangnam, alleging the company had no real “substance” (employees or operations at that location).

8. Who is defending Cha Eun-woo legally?

His agency, Fantagio, has hired the prestigious law firm Shin & Kim. Their strategy focuses on proving that Cha Eun-woo‘s mother’s company was a legitimate entity and not a “paper company,” and they have requested a “pre-assessment review” to dispute the Tax Service’s interpretation.

9. What role is Cha Eun-woo currently fulfilling in the army?

Cha Eun-woo enlisted in July last year and currently serves as a member of the military band. He mentioned in his letter that he wrote the apology “after finishing his daily tasks within the unit,” confirming that he continues to fulfill his duties as an active soldier despite the scandal.