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The eel restaurant “Yesteropen Charcoal Eel” on Ganghwa Island, reportedly connected to tax evasion claims involving actor Cha Eun-woo’s mother, shut down at the end of last year. Moreover, as news emerged that “Yesteropen Cheongdam” opened in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong around the same time, it was speculated that the Ganghwa Island establishment had moved due to the tax-related controversy. In response, Cha Eun-woo’s agency commented, “The Seoul eel restaurant has no connection to Cha Eun-woo’s mother.”

Fantagio, the management company of Cha Eun-woo, stated on the 4th, “The ‘Yesteropen Cheongdam’ that is currently running is entirely independent in terms of legal structure from the Ganghwa Island ‘Yesteropen Charcoal Eel.’ ‘Yesteropen Cheongdam’ is managed by Fantagio M, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fantagio, and has no relation to Cha Eun-woo’s family.”

The reasoning given was that following Cha Eun-woo’s mother’s decision to shut down the Ganghwa Island restaurant last year, Fantagio assumed control of the existing brand name to manage the Seoul branch.

Fantagio responded to the rumors after online speculation surfaced following reports about Cha Eun-woo’s suspected tax avoidance.

Cha Eun-woo reportedly received a tax notice surpassing 20 billion South Korean won following an intense audit conducted by the Seoul Regional National Tax Service last year. His earnings were distributed among Fantagio, Company A (founded by Cha Eun-woo’s mother), and himself. Although Fantagio stated that Company A functioned under a service agreement linked to entertainment activities, the National Tax Service considered it a shell company aimed at lowering income tax, which could be as high as 45%. The situation sparked controversy since the address of Company A coincided with that of a Ganghwa Island restaurant owned by Cha Eun-woo’s parents.

Although the Ganghwa Island restaurant shut down at the end of last year, a shop called “Yesteropen Cheongdam” started operating in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, around the same time, leading to online rumors that the move was connected to a tax-related issue.

Cha Eun-woo has challenged the National Tax Service’s decision by seeking a preliminary review. Fantagio mentioned, “The main point is whether Company A, founded by Cha Eun-woo’s mother, is considered a valid taxable entity. The case is still ongoing, and we will thoroughly explain through legal processes regarding the interpretation and implementation of the law.” It further noted, “Cha Eun-woo assures that he will meet his tax reporting and legal responsibilities as a responsible citizen.”

Serving in the military at the moment, Cha Eun-woo expressed his apologies through social media, saying, “I sincerely apologize. After reflecting on my attitude towards tax responsibilities as a South Korean citizen, I deeply regret my actions. Because of unavoidable military service, I enlisted before completing the tax investigation. I will respectfully accept the final decision and take full responsibility.”