'Famous' YouTubers face tax evasion probe
By Park Si-soo
Several high-paid South Korean YouTubers are among 176 people facing an investigation into their suspected tax evasion.
The National Tax Service (NTS) said on Wednesday the investigation is under way with local tax offices.
NTS officials said the suspects include 15 creative online content providers, including what it called “famous” YouTubers, but they did not give further details.
A “famous” YouTuber is believed to have evaded taxes on 2 billion won ($1.75 million) of sales by ignoring necessary declarations to the tax office, they said.
The other suspects include dozens of entertainers, athletes, attorneys and medical doctors, the NTS said.
Last year, the NTS investigated 880 suspects and imposed 700 billion won in tax penalties.