K-Pop Demon Hunters fame Arden Cho shows support for Cha Eun Woo amid tax evasion allegations

Arden Cho supports Cha Eun Woo

• Cha Eun Woo faces investigation for alleged tax evasion of nearly 20 billion KRW
• Arden Cho publicly supports Cha Eun Woo amid controversy
• Cha Eun Woo denies intent to evade taxes and pledges full cooperation

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Actress Arden Cho, known to global audiences for her role in Netflix’s animated series K-Pop Demon Hunters, has publicly stood by Cha Eun Woo as the South Korean star faces one of the most serious controversies of his career.

Cha Eun Woo is currently under investigation for alleged tax evasion involving nearly 20 billion KRW (around 13.8 million USD), a figure that has shocked fans and industry observers alike.

Amid growing speculation and online debate, Cha Eun Woo addressed the situation directly on January 26 through an Instagram post.

Alongside the allegations, questions had also been raised about the timing of his military enlistment. In his statement, Cha Eun Woo acknowledged the gravity of the situation while denying any intention to evade responsibility.

He wrote, “I am reflecting deeply on whether my approach to fulfilling my tax obligations has been sufficiently strict. Although I am currently serving in the military, my enlistment was not intended to avoid this controversy. Last year, I reached a point where I could no longer postpone my enlistment, and I entered military service without completing the tax investigation process.”

He went on to express remorse and a willingness to face whatever outcome lies ahead. “If I were not serving as a soldier, I would personally apologize to everyone affected by this situation. I will fully cooperate with the upcoming tax procedures and humbly accept the final decisions made by the relevant authorities, taking responsibility accordingly,” he added.

Among the many responses to his post, Arden Cho’s message stood out for its simplicity and sincerity. Leaving a comment under his statement, she wrote, “Always supporting you dongseng, Hwaiting!” The message, though brief, resonated with fans who viewed it as a quiet show of solidarity during a difficult time.

Behind the scenes, the situation remains complex. The Seoul Regional Tax Office is said to have conducted an intensive investigation in the first half of 2025, notifying Cha Eun Woo of additional income taxes amounting to approximately 20 billion KRW.

Also Read: Netflix’s The Wonder Fools faces uncertainty after ASTRO's Cha Eun Woo faces $13 million tax evasion probe

Authorities have alleged that Cha Eun Woo and his mother attempted to lower their tax burden by using a paper company, applying a corporate tax rate significantly lower than the personal income tax rate.

Cha Eun Woo’s agency, Fantagio, has denied any wrongdoing and emphasised that the matter is still unresolved. In a statement, the agency said, “The main issue is whether the company established by Cha Eun Woo’s mother qualifies as a substantive tax entity. This matter has not been finalized with a confirmed assessment.”