Korea’s entertainment industry has been hit by controversy in recent weeks as allegations of massive tax evasion involving actor-idol Cha Eun Woo have sent shockwaves across South Korea and Asia. The star, born in 1997 and widely nicknamed a “genius face”, He is reportedly facing a tax reassessment of nearly 20 billion won (about $15 million), placing him among the top six celebrities in the world with the highest alleged unpaid tax amounts.
Although authorities have yet to reach a definitive conclusion on whether Cha Eun Woo intentionally evaded taxes, public sentiment has already turned harsh. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the star is currently carrying out mandatory military service, raising concerns that his career could face serious setbacks before a verdict is even handed down.
Amid the heated debate over financial responsibility among top celebrities, Korean netizens have begun revisiting a contrasting case: V (BTS), one of the world’s most influential K-pop stars, who has been officially recognized for exemplary tax compliance.
In September 2022, V received a certificate of commendation from the mayor of Goyang City for his exemplary tax payments. The honor was reserved for a small group of individuals recognized for their integrity and diligence in meeting local tax obligations. Due to commitments abroad, V was unable to attend the ceremony in person and his father accepted the award on his behalf.
At the time, Korean media described the recognition as proof of the BTS member’s strong civic sense, strengthening his reputation not only as a global star but also as a responsible citizen. The commendation recognized his consistent and transparent fulfillment of financial obligations to local government, a rare distinction among top performers.
V, whose real name is Kim Taehyung, was born on December 30, 1995 in Daegu. He is a singer of BTS, the globally dominant boy group under HYBE, often referred to by Korean media as a “national treasure” for its cultural and economic impact. The stage name “V” is widely believed to stand for “Victory”.
Beyond music, Kim Taehyung is celebrated as a fashion icon and artistic figure, known for his deep baritone voice and distinctive visuals, often praised by international media.
Visual appeal has long been considered one of V’s strongest assets. He has ranked first in numerous international “most handsome men” lists, surpassing Hollywood stars such as Brad Pitt, Robert Pattinson and Chris Evans. From 2023 to 2025, V won the title of “Most Handsome Man in the World” for three consecutive years in Nubia Magazine’s global fan poll, garnering more than 10.7 million votes from 163 countries. It also topped the Shining Awards’ “Most Beautiful Face” list in early 2024.
As a member of BTS, V has contributed to numerous historic milestones, including number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, Grammy nominations and numerous Guinness World Records. He also participated in songwriting for songs such as Hold Me Tight, Run and Blue & Grey.
In his solo career, V released the album Layover in 2023, featuring a jazz and R&B inspired sound. The album reportedly surpassed 2 million copies sold in its first week, while OST songs like Sweet Night and Christmas Tree performed well on the iTunes and Billboard charts. He also appeared in the historical K-drama Hwarang in 2016.
V officially completed his military service on June 10, 2025, together with BTS leader RM. After his resignation, fans and media noticed a visibly more muscular and mature appearance, attributed to his service in a Special Forces unit. In rare post-military comments, V shared this the experience helped him strengthen himself both physically and mentally in preparation for future artistic projects.
With all members having completed their military service, BTS has confirmed a global comeback with the entire group in 2026. The group plans to release a new studio album titled ARIRANG on March 20, 2026, followed by a large-scale world tour starting in April in Goyang.
Notably, Seoul authorities approved a free BTS concert at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, 2026 – an unprecedented nationwide exception, as the site is generally reserved for state or ceremonial events. The concert is expected to host approximately 18,000-20,000 attendees via pre-registration and will be live-streamed worldwide, with selected performances staged at historic sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace under strict government supervision.
Industry experts suggest that BTS’s unique treatment reflects the group’s role as cultural ambassadors with a proven economic and tourism impact. In this broader context, V’s past recognition for exemplary tax payments has resurfaced as a symbolic counterpoint in growing scrutiny of financial transparency in the entertainment industry.
