Recently, ASTRO‘s Cha Eunwoo has been at the center of an investigation into his finances.
The idol has been accused of owing ₩20.0 billion KRW (about $13.8 million USD) in taxes and using his mother’s restaurant to aid in the evasion. As a result of the scandal, the idol has already faced consequences, including his removal from multiple advertisements, as investigations continue.
The rest of the industry has seemingly taken notice, based on reactions from other stars including members of NCT.
On January 23, NCT DREAM had activities in Japan and afterward, members Jeno and Jaemin held a live stream at their hotel.
At one point during the live, as the two were reading comments, a fan commented “pay your taxes well.” Jaemin saw the comment and read it outloud, and the two idols responded by saying they were paying them diligently and laughing.
Jaemin: “Pay your taxes”?Jeno: Of courseJaemin: Yes, we’ve been paying diligently.
Many K-netizens found the comments funny, and commented so in a viral forum post.
- “It really seems like he said that unconsciously, LMAOOOO it’s so funny LMAOOOO”
- “So damn funny LMAOOOO isn’t it hilarious? LMAOOOO”
- “I hate all men, but this is just ridiculously funny… there are so many crazy people…”
International netizens also thought their reaction was related to the ongoing scandal, and reacted, seeing it as “shade.”
