South Korea’s Defense Ministry rejects petition to reassign Cha Eun Woo, confirms he will remain in military band despite tax controversy

A petition submitted via South Korea’s national civil complaint platform requesting that ASTRO member and actor Cha Eun Woo be reassigned from his military band position has been formally rejected by the Ministry of National Defense, which confirmed that there are no applicable grounds for a change of duty and that he will remain in his current assignment.

According to the response disclosed on May 7 through an online community post referencing the People’s Petition System, the petition was originally submitted in January, requesting a review of his military assignment. The Ministry of National Defense reportedly stated at that time that no reassignment procedures were under consideration and that the allegations referenced in the complaint were not subject to internal military investigation.

A follow-up petition was later submitted after Cha Eun Woo’s agency addressed recent tax-related issues and confirmed that he had fully paid the assessed amount. The petitioner argued that, given his public profile and potential participation in official military ceremonies and promotional activities, his assignment to the military band should be reconsidered.

The Ministry, through the Military Personnel Management Division under the Joint Support Group Inspectorate, confirmed that the case had been reviewed as a request for reassignment consideration. However, it concluded that Cha Eun Woo does not meet the criteria for reassignment under Article 14 of the Military Personnel Management Regulations. These criteria include inability to perform duties due to health issues or accident, structural reorganization of units, overstaffing or administrative necessity, or disciplinary-related reassignment decisions authorized by military command.

As none of these conditions apply, the Ministry stated that his current assignment in the military band will be maintained.

Separately, Cha Eun Woo was previously subject to public scrutiny regarding a tax assessment linked to a management arrangement involving a company established by his mother. The National Tax Service reportedly imposed additional tax obligations, with disputed amounts widely reported in the range of approximately 200 billion KRW (about 145 million USD).

Following the controversy, Cha Eun Woo stated that he would comply fully with all tax procedures and accept the final determination of the authorities. He later confirmed full payment of the assessed taxes and issued a public apology, expressing regret for the confusion and public concern caused.

Subsequent reports indicated that approximately 130 billion KRW (about 94 million USD) had been paid initially, with partial adjustments and refunds issued due to reassessment of certain items, including double taxation involving corporate tax and value-added tax.

Cha Eun Woo enlisted in July last year and is currently serving as a soldier in the military band. His expected discharge date is January 2027.