South Korean celebrities have been facing scrutiny over tax issues, with actors Yoo Yeon-seok, Lee Ha-nee, and Park Hee-soon recently being hit with hefty tax bills. Yoo Yeon-seok is reported to have the largest bill ever imposed on a South Korean celebrity, at approximately 7 billion won ($4.8 million). The controversy has sparked debate over celebrities’ use of personal corporations to minimize tax liabilities, with the three stars being CEOs of their own companies.
The celebrities have defended their actions, claiming that the tax disputes stem from differing interpretations of tax law rather than deliberate tax evasion. Yoo Yeon-seok’s agency issued a statement explaining the differences in interpretation between his tax representative and the authorities.
Lee Ha-nee and Park Hee-soon have also faced tax assessments, with Lee Ha-nee stating she has paid the full amount resulting from the difference in perspective between the tax authorities and her tax representative. Park Hee-soon denied the allegations in an official statement, asserting that the tax assessment arose during the process between the tax authorities and his tax representative.
The use of personal corporations by celebrities, with themselves as CEOs, has drawn attention to the advantages of corporate structures for tax purposes in South Korea. The controversy has raised public sentiment against high-profile figures allegedly avoiding taxes, with Yoo Yeon-seok’s upcoming appearance in a new drama facing criticism. Seoul Broadcasting System has yet to release an official statement regarding his involvement in the series.
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