The Ganghwa eel restaurant formerly run by actor Cha Eun Woo’s mother, Yesteropen Charcoal Grilled Eel, closed at the end of last year.
Around the same time, a new restaurant with a similar name, Yesteropen Cheongdam, opened in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong, prompting speculation online that the Ganghwa location had relocated following Cha Eun Woo’s tax controversy. Cha Eun Woo’s agency, Fantagio, clarified that the Cheongdam branch is entirely separate and has no connection to his family.
Fantagio stated on February 4, “Yesteropen Cheongdam is operated by Fantagio M, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fantagio, and is a completely independent legal entity from the Ganghwa restaurant formerly run by Cha Eun Woo’s family.” The agency explained that while the Ganghwa location closed last year, Fantagio continued using the brand name for the Seoul restaurant.
The statement comes amid reports that Cha Eun Woo faced an intensive tax investigation by the Seoul Regional Tax Office last year, resulting in a notice for back taxes estimated in the hundreds of millions of won. His income was reportedly divided among Fantagio, a legal entity established by his mother (referred to as Company A), and Cha himself.
While Fantagio stated that Company A operated under legitimate entertainment service contracts, the National Tax Service (NTS) suggested that it may have been used to reduce Cha’s income tax liability, which could have reached up to 45%. The controversy was fueled by the fact that Company A’s registered address matched the Ganghwa restaurant.
Following the closure of the Ganghwa restaurant, the opening of Yesteropen Cheongdam led to online speculation that the restaurant had moved to avoid scrutiny. Fantagio emphasized this is not the case and clarified that Cha Eun Woo’s family has no involvement in the Seoul restaurant.
Cha Eun Woo has formally appealed the NTS decision through a pre-assessment review. Fantagio stated, “The main issue is whether the legal entity established by Cha Eun Woo’s mother constitutes a substantive taxable entity. This matter has not been finalized, and we will provide evidence through legal procedures. Cha Eun Woo remains committed to fulfilling his tax obligations as a responsible citizen.”
Currently serving in the military, Cha addressed the allegations on social media: “I sincerely apologize and deeply reflect on whether I have been diligent in fulfilling my taxpayer duties in South Korea. I enlisted before completing the tax review process due to the timing of my military service. I will accept the final decision responsibly and take full accountability.”
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