Public outrage continues to intensify over what critics describe as Cha Eun-woo’s “contextless patronizing,” as reactions to his alleged 200 billion won (about $150 million) tax evasion case remain sharply divided between domestic and overseas audiences. Once celebrated for his clean and upright image, Cha Eun-woo now finds himself at the center of one of the entertainment industry’s most serious controversies, with potential consequences that could even jeopardize his career.
Known by nicknames such as “face genius” and “최최차차”, a phrase meaning “your favorite is your favorite, but Cha Eun-woo is Cha Eun-woo”, he has built a reputation as a top-tier Hallyu star admired both in Korea and abroad. His trustworthy image was further cemented when he hosted a banquet during last year’s APEC leaders’ meeting, even while carrying out compulsory military service.
However, following reports of massive tax evasion totaling 200 billion won, that image quickly crumbled. Online discourse has become harsh, with new labels such as “tax evasion genius” and “two-faced genius” replacing his once brilliant nicknames.
After the controversy erupted, Cha Eun-woo posted an apology on social media on January 26, saying he was “reflecting deeply” and “fully aware of his responsibility.” He added that “if I had not been in the army, I would have personally gone to apologize to those affected.” Critics, however, pointed out that his statement avoided key issues, including the exact amount of the tax penalty and allegations involving a paper company linked to a restaurant on Ganghwa Island.
The response from Korean netizens was largely critical. Many expressed disappointment over what they saw as a belated apology issued only after it hired law firm Shin & Kim (Sejong) to respond to the National Tax Service, as well as what they perceived as its determination to dispute the 200 billion won in additional taxes rather than take responsibility.
In stark contrast, overseas fans flooded Cha Eun-woo’s social media with messages of unconditional support. Comments such as “We still love you”, “Don’t lower your head, we are always on your side” and “Making mistakes does not erase the courage to reflect, let’s keep fighting” dominated his posts.
This division has only fueled further anger among Korean netizens. One comment aimed at overseas fans read: “Have you ever paid taxes in Korea to say things like that?” criticizing what they called blind support, lacking understanding of the local context.
At the end of his apology, Cha Eun-woo stated that he “will live with the responsibility of repaying the love I received.” Yet critics continue to question the sincerity of that statement, asking who he intends to repay, what accountability really means in this situation and whether the apology was more about reassuring foreign fans unfamiliar with Korean public sentiment.
Sources: Daum
