Yoo Yeon-seok Under Tax Investigation Following Lee Hanee’s ₩6 Billion Case

The National Tax Service (NTS), which recently ordered actress Lee Hanee to pay ₩6 billion ($4.5 million) in taxes, has now slapped actor Yoo Yeon-seok with a ₩7 billion ($5.2 million) tax bill.

According to CBS No Cut News on March 14, the NTS conducted an extensive tax audit on Yoo and concluded that he owed ₩7 billion in income taxes. This surpasses the amount imposed on Lee Hanee, whose case stirred controversy.

Like Lee Hanee, Yoo Yeon-seok had established his own entertainment company, Forever Entertainment, in which he serves as CEO. The tax authorities found potential irregularities in this setup and initiated an investigation.

However, Yoo Yeon-seok has formally challenged the tax assessment by filing for a Pre-Taxation Review in January. This legal process allows taxpayers to dispute tax decisions before they are finalized, with both internal and external reviewers evaluating the case.

Yoo’s representatives maintain that they will actively present their case to correct what they believe to be an excessive tax charge. They also expect the ₩7 billion tax burden to be significantly reduced to around ₩3 billion ($2.2 million) through the appeals process.

"We are currently undergoing a reassessment of the tax amount through the Pre-Taxation Review," Yoo’s team stated. "This case is centered around the legal interpretation of tax codes rather than deliberate wrongdoing. We will follow due legal processes to clarify the appropriate taxation approach."

They also emphasized, "Yoo Yeon-seok has always fulfilled his tax obligations diligently and will continue to do so as a responsible citizen."

Yoo Yeon-seok’s case comes amid growing scrutiny of celebrities' tax practices in Korea. Lee Hanee, who was recently ordered to pay ₩6 billion in taxes, has similarly argued that the dispute stems from differing interpretations of whether artists running private corporations should be taxed under corporate or personal income tax laws.

With tax authorities intensifying audits on high-earning celebrities, similar cases are expected to surface in the industry.

Despite the ongoing tax dispute, Yoo Yeon-seok continues to engage with fans through his YouTube channel, where he shares behind-the-scenes content, including vlogs from his drama When the Phone Rings with co-star Chae Soo-bin. His latest uploads offer fans a glimpse into his daily life on set, adding a layer of normalcy amid the financial controversy.

With tax authorities intensifying audits on high-earning celebrities, Yoo’s battle with the NTS unfolds as his When the Phone Rings content keeps drawing in viewers, highlighting the stark contrast between his professional image and the legal dispute behind the scenes.

Yoo Yeon-seok’s 2025 fan meeting tour, The Secret Code: Y, is proceeding as planned, with upcoming stops in:

Bangkok – March 1

Hong Kong – March 8

Tokyo – March 15

Taipei – March 22

While he faces a ₩7 billion tax dispute, Yoo has filed for a tax review, maintaining that the charge is unfair. As of now, there are no changes or cancellations to his fan meeting schedule. Fans should stay updated through official channels for any further announcements.