Cha Eun Woo shows bulked-up physique during military service in new photos
Cha Eun Woo has drawn attention after new photos revealed his noticeably more muscular physique while serving in the military.
On July 24, haegeum performer Shin Sua shared photos on Instagram along with the caption:
Shin Sua: With Corporal Lee Dong Min
Cha Eun Woo enlisted in the South Korean Army in July last year and is currently serving as a corporal in the military band.
Shin Sua also wrote about meeting him after the performance:
Shin Sua: I’ve liked him since I was in my first year of high school, so it was such an honor and a joy to naturally end up performing on the same stage. Thank you for taking photos with me and letting me take photos too. I’m a successful fan
The newly released photos quickly caught fans’ attention, with many noting Cha Eun Woo’s visibly bulked-up frame. His broader shoulders and more muscular upper body showed a transformation from his signature “flower boy” image.
The two reportedly met backstage after participating in the Ministry of National Defense Traditional Korean Music Band’s regular concert.
Previous tax controversy and 13 billion KRW payment
Earlier this year, Cha Eun Woo became the center of controversy after facing allegations of tax evasion.
In January, the Seoul Regional Tax Office’s Investigation Bureau 4 reportedly launched an intensive tax audit after determining that, in addition to his agency Fantagio, Cha Eun Woo had established a one-person entertainment company under his mother’s name.
Authorities concluded that the company functioned as a paper company that did not provide legitimate entertainment management services. They alleged that income that should have been reported as personal earnings was instead routed through the corporation to avoid the top individual income tax rate of 45% and benefit from the lower corporate tax rate.
According to reports, tax authorities initially notified Cha Eun Woo’s side of an additional tax assessment exceeding 20 billion KRW, one of the largest amounts ever imposed on a Korean celebrity.
Following negotiations with the authorities, Cha Eun Woo announced in April that he had fully paid the finalized 13 billion KRW tax bill.
At the time, his representatives acknowledged responsibility and stated that he would faithfully fulfill his tax obligations, bringing the matter to a close.
Tax authorities continue targeting high-income entertainers
Cases involving underreported income by high-earning entertainers remain a recurring issue in South Korea.
The National Tax Service regularly conducts intensive tax investigations targeting celebrities, YouTubers, and other high-income individuals suspected of understating their earnings or using shell companies established under family members’ names to reduce tax liabilities.
In previous large-scale audits, the agency uncovered tax violations involving 881 high-income business operators and collected a combined ₩695.9 billion in additional taxes.
Authorities continue to focus on undeclared income earned outside entertainment agencies and overseas earnings, stepping up efforts to combat tax evasion.