Ji Chang-wook’s agency has responded to reports that the actor was ordered to pay a large amount in additional taxes, saying the issue was not intentional tax evasion but a difference in interpretation of tax law.
On June 2, Spring Company released an official statement addressing the controversy surrounding the actor’s reported tax penalty.
The agency apologized for causing public concern, but denied any intentional wrongdoing. It said there was no deliberate omission of income or illegal attempt to evade taxes.
Agency Says There Was No Intentional Tax Evasion
According to Spring Company, the issue centered on how income from Ji Chang-wook’s entertainment activities should be classified under Korea’s tax rules.
The agency explained that there was a difference of opinion with tax authorities over whether certain profits should be attributed to the actor personally or to a corporation under the principle of substance-over-form taxation. In other words, the agency framed the case as a matter of tax interpretation, not intentional concealment.
Spring Company emphasized that Ji Chang-wook has followed relevant laws and procedures since his debut in 2008 and has treated proper tax payment as an important responsibility.
Ji Chang-wook to Pay the Additional Tax
The agency also said it respects the National Tax Service’s decision.
According to the statement, Ji Chang-wook plans to pay the imposed additional tax without delay in accordance with the required procedures. Spring Company added that it will review its tax and accounting management system more thoroughly to prevent similar issues in the future.
The agency said it will continue to follow the law and fulfill tax obligations faithfully.
Reports Claimed a Non-Regular Tax Audit Was Conducted
Earlier on June 2, a media report claimed that the Seoul Regional Tax Office’s Investigation Bureau 2 had carried out a non-regular tax audit involving Ji Chang-wook.
The report also said the actor had been ordered to pay additional taxes worth tens of billions of won. Following the report, Spring Company issued its statement to clarify its position.
Why the Statement Matters
The case drew attention because Ji Chang-wook is one of Korea’s most internationally recognized actors, with a strong fanbase across Asia and beyond.
Tax-related reports involving public figures often receive strong scrutiny, but the agency’s position is that this was not a case of intentional income concealment. Instead, it described the matter as a disagreement over how certain entertainment-related income should be assigned for tax purposes. For now, Ji Chang-wook’s side has accepted the tax authority’s decision and said the payment process will be handled promptly.
The agency also pledged to strengthen its internal tax and accounting checks going forward.