Taxes are an extremely important issue in every country because they are directly tied to the national budget (education, healthcare, social welfare, infrastructure, etc.) and are also a matter of social fairness. South кσяєα is no exception—if anything, tax-related issues involving celebrities are especially sensitive in кσяєα because the public pays close attention to transparency among public figures. Celebrities are also a group with high income and multiple revenue streams, and because they have fame, they are subject to even greater scrutiny.
This is also why the recent allegations of large-scale tax evasion involving actor-idol Cha Eun Woo have caused ѕнσ¢кwaves across South кσяєα and Asia in recent weeks. The star, born in 1997, is reportedly facing a tax reαѕѕessment of nearly 20 billion won (around USD 15 million), placing him among the top six celebrities worldwide accused of having the largest amount of unpaid taxes.
The most serious part is that the National Tax Service discovered suspicious signs in the idol’s tax filings. Investigators suspect that Cha Eun Woo’s side may have committed tax fraud through a shell company, intentionally restructuring his earnings by converting personal income into corporate income in order to reduce taxes. Although authorities have not yet reached a final conclusion on whether Cha Eun Woo deliberately evaded taxes, public opinion has already grown intense.
Cha Eun Woo’s case is currently considered the most ѕнσ¢кing tax-related controversy among кσяєαn celebrities to date, but even before this, there have been quite a few public figures who engaged in similar “tax loophole” practices on a smaller scale. Actress Lee Ha-nee, known for films such as Extreme Job (2019), was нιт with a tax bill of six billion won in back taxes. Actor Park Hee-soon from My Name (2021) was also investigated by the Seoul Regional Tax Office, resulting in additional taxes of about 800 million won.
This wave of tax controversies has drawn attention to how celebrities use personal corporations to minimize tax obligations. Meanwhile, amid heated debate over the financial responsibility of top stars, кσяєαn media has begun revisiting contrasting cases—other celebrities who are considered exemplary role models in paying taxes. And among them, V was named.
In September 2022, the city of Goyang presented eight awards (five for companies and three for individuals) to entities and individuals recognized as exemplary taxpayers who made significant contributions to the city’s financial development. One of the individual awards went to V. Due to an overseas schedule, V could not attend the ceremony in person, and his father accepted the award on his behalf.
At the time, кσяєαn media described this recognition as evidence of the BTS member’s strong sense of civic responsibility, reinforcing his reputation not only as a global star but also as a responsible citizen. The certificate praised him for consistently fulfilling his financial obligations in a transparent and steady manner toward the local government—an admirable sense of accountability among celebrities.
In addition to V, several other idols were also brought up again as having received commendations for exemplary tax payment while still in their twenties, including IU, YoonA (SNSD), and Taemin (SHINee). кσяєαn media also listed other notable figures in the entertainment industry who are considered role models for fully paying their taxes, such as actors Ji Jin Hee, Park Ha Sun, Han Hyo Joo, Kim Soo Hyun, Ha Ji Won, Song Ji Hyo, Jo Jung Suk, Park Min Young, and others.
Meanwhile, кσяєαn media also pointed out that V not only fulfills his obligations to the nation—through taxes and military service—but has also shown his compαѕѕion by consistently engaging in charity work for many years, just as all BTS members have continued to do. Together with BTS, V has spoken out about global issues, defended vulnerable communities, and encouraged young people through his music.
Not only that, V’s image has served as a role model for others, inspiring fans to do good deeds because of him. For example, V is well known for loving animals, children, and nature, and ARMYs have made donations in his name to related organizations around the world every year—especially around his birthday.
As this topic gained wide media coverage in кσяєα, netizens expressed that thanks to V, they still have faith in celebrities, and once again understood why BTS continues to receive so much respect and admiration. Some recorded comments included: “As expected of BTS—both character and responsibility are world-clαѕѕ,” “V is truly a breath of fresh air. Respect,” “This is why they’re called ‘national treasures.’ When you earn a lot and pay taxes transparently, that is patriotism,” “Not only paying taxes properly but also being honored by the government—so proud of Taehyung!”, “V and BTS restored my faith—there are still many good people with both heart and ability,” “No matter how chaotic the entertainment industry is, it can’t stain V’s purity,”...
