Cha Eun-woo tax controversy puts new Netflix series to the test
Netflix comic adventure series "The Wonderfools," which premieres Friday, depicts ordinary people who gain superpowers to protect the world from a villain. Courtesy of Netflix
Park Eun-bin reliability vs. Cha Eun-woo reputational risk in 'Wonderfools'
Netflix is releasing its highly anticipated series "The Wonderfools" on Friday, but a tax evasion scandal involving one of its stars, Cha Eun-woo, threatens to overshadow the project.
The series previously stood as a guaranteed hit, marking the highly anticipated return of actress Park Eun-bin. Now, the production faces a critical test to determine whether the show's inherent quality can survive immense public scrutiny and reputational risk.
The narrative follows a group of eccentric townspeople — or misfits — who accidentally acquire superpowers in 1999 and unite to fight a villain. The comic adventure generated significant early attention because it reunites Park with director Yoo In-sik. The duo previously collaborated on the massive global hit "Extraordinary Attorney Woo."
Cha's casting also generated significant initial interest. Leveraging a loyal fandom and an ability to consistently generate online buzz, Cha established a solid track record of lead roles. "The Wonderfools" was considered a crucial turning point for the actor as he sought to broaden his acting range beyond his established reputation as a heartthrob. The project is expected to allow him to depart from his usual teen romance and fantasy genre roles to showcase deeper emotional narratives.
Actor and singer Cha Eun-woo appears in the virtual reality concert film "Cha Eun-woo VR Concert: Memories." Courtesy of Amaze
However, the conversation surrounding the series shifted drastically when a tax controversy involving Cha surfaced in January while he served in the military band. The National Tax Service (NTS) initially issued an additional tax assessment ordering Cha to pay more than 20 billion won ($14.3 million).
Cha requested a preassessment review from the NTS. Three months later, he paid approximately 13 billion won to settle the dispute. Officials adjusted the final amount to account for refunds regarding double taxation on previously paid corporate and value-added taxes.
The Korean entertainment industry maintains extreme sensitivity toward celebrities involved in tax, military and criminal scandals. In the highly competitive streaming market, an actor's personal image directly dictates commercial viability and public consumption. The dispute severely damaged public trust in Cha, and the ongoing fallout overshadows critical discussions about the actual quality of "The Wonderfools."
Despite the off-screen drama, a robust narrative can occasionally overpower an actor's reputational risk. Historically, strong projects won over audiences despite featuring actors embroiled in severe controversies.
For "The Wonderfools," that narrative anchor is Park. Domestic and international audiences view Park as a highly trusted performer with a proven track record. She consistently demonstrates an ability to carry complex characters and genres. The ultimate survival of the series depends heavily on whether the core storyline centered around Park delivers on its promise.
Actress Park Eun-bin looks at a tray of "gimbap," or Korean seaweed rice rolls, in a scene from the television series "Extraordinary Attorney Woo." Captured from ENA's YouTube channel
The controversy simultaneously places immense pressure on Cha. He now faces an ultimatum. He must prove his capabilities and showcase a dramatic acting transformation. If he fails to deliver a breakout performance and instead relies on his previous acting style, critics will likely issue harsh reviews, cementing the tax scandal as the lasting legacy of the series.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.