Netflix keeps Cha Eun‑woo series on track despite tax allegations

Actor Cha Eun-woo in a scene from upcoming Netflix series "The Wonderfools” / Courtesy of Netflix

Netflix is pushing ahead with the second-quarter release of an upcoming series starring Cha Eun-woo, despite the actor facing a 20 billion won ($13.8 million) tax evasion scandal in Korea.

"As announced at the 'Next on Netflix' event, the release schedule remains unchanged," a Netflix official told Hankook Ilbo Tuesday. "We will announce the specific release date and key dates as soon as they are confirmed."

Netflix had previously included "The Wonderfools" among its second quarter releases at the Next on Netflix 2026 Korea showcase held on Jan. 21. After the event, tax evasion allegations involving Cha surfaced, prompting questions about whether the series’ release schedule would be affected.

The National Tax Service assessed a 20 billion won tax penalty against the actor. This financial penalty is known to be the largest tax surcharge imposed on a Korean celebrity.

Following the controversy, Fantagio, Cha's agency, said it is "reviewing the facts" according to tax authority procedures and will responsibly take necessary measures once legal and administrative judgments become clear.

"I am deeply reflecting while looking back on whether my attitude toward the duty of paying taxes as a citizen of the Republic of Korea was strict," Cha said on social media.

Despite the public apology, the actor has challenged the decision and appealed the tax agency's assessment.

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.