Lee Jun Ki’s agency, Namoo Actors, has released an official statement regarding the additional tax assessment of approximately 900 million KRW (about $620,000) imposed by the tax authorities.
On March 19, Namoo Actors told Newsen, "Lee Jun Ki underwent a regular tax audit by the Gangnam Tax Office in 2023 and was assessed additional taxes. Respecting the decision of the tax authorities, he has paid the full amount. This taxation resulted from differences in interpretation and application of tax laws between our tax representatives and the tax authorities, marking a decision that deviates from previous taxation practices."
The agency further explained, "The key issue during the investigation was whether the tax invoice transactions between our company and JG Entertainment, founded by Lee Jun Ki, were legitimate, and whether the income in question should be considered corporate tax for JG Entertainment or personal income tax for Lee Jun Ki. Apart from differences in perspectives regarding corporate tax and income tax applications, no other tax evasion or irregularities involving Lee Jun Ki were pointed out."
They continued, "Namoo Actors and Lee Jun Ki fully respect the results of this tax audit and the decision of the tax authorities. However, this matter had never been raised in previous regular tax audits in 2015 and 2019, and we understand that there is no established precedent from the tax authorities or the courts regarding income and asset management through personal corporations. Therefore, while proceeding with caution, we have filed an appeal with the Tax Tribunal to seek further judgment, and the review process is currently ongoing."
Lastly, the agency emphasized, "Lee Jun Ki has made every effort to fulfill his tax obligations in good faith under the guidance of his tax advisors. Both Namoo Actors and Lee Jun Ki will continue to uphold legal and procedural compliance as a responsible corporation and citizen of South Korea."
Previously, through a 2023 audit by the National Tax Service, Lee Jun Ki and Namoo Actors were assessed additional taxes amounting to approximately 900 million KRW (about $620,000). This arose from Namoo Actors paying Lee Jun Ki’s appearance fees not to him directly but to JG Entertainment, a private agency he co-founded with his father in 2014. JG Entertainment then reported this income as corporate revenue and paid corporate taxes accordingly.
Meanwhile, in 2023, Lee Jun Ki starred in tvN’s drama 'Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramoon.' Last year, he also released the digital single 'DELETE' to commemorate his first Asia tour, 'Festival,' in six years.
Full Official Statement from Namoo Actors
"Hello, this is Namoo Actors. We would like to clarify the recent reports regarding actor Lee Jun Ki.
Lee Jun Ki underwent a regular tax audit by the Gangnam Tax Office in 2023 and was subsequently ordered to pay additional taxes. Lee Jun Ki has fully respected the decision of the tax authorities and paid the taxes in full. This taxation arose from differences in the interpretation and application of tax laws between the tax authorities and Lee’s tax representatives. The decision was unprecedented and has sparked debate among tax professionals and legal experts.
The key issue during the audit was the legitimacy of the tax invoice transaction between Namoo Actors and JG Entertainment, which was founded by Lee Jun Ki and his father. The question was whether the income involved should be considered corporate tax for JG Entertainment or personal income tax for Lee Jun Ki. No other allegations of tax evasion or misconduct were raised during the audit.
Both Namoo Actors and Lee Jun Ki respect the outcome of the audit. However, since this matter had never been flagged during previous audits in 2015 and 2019, and given the lack of clear legal precedent, we have filed a tax tribunal appeal to seek further clarification. The review is currently ongoing.
Lee Jun Ki has always made every effort to fulfill his tax obligations under the guidance of his tax advisors. Both Namoo Actors and Lee Jun Ki will continue to comply with South Korean laws and regulations responsibly as a corporate entity and as a citizen.
Thank you."
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