Cha Eun Woo’s Tax Evasion Scandal, Plus More K-pop News
Hallyu hour
2026 is off to a whirlwind start in the K-pop world as beloved groups gear up for comebacks while another major scandal rocks the industry. Ahead, get the latest updates on the biggest headlines, including Cha Eun Woo’s tax evasion controversy, EXO’s highly anticipated comeback, and more.
Cha Eun Woo hit with tax evasion allegations of up to 20 billion won
South Korean megastar Cha Eun Woo is currently facing scrutiny from the Seoul Regional Tax Office (NTS) after it was reported that the singer-actor is being investigated for tax evasion. According to reports, Cha is alleged to have a 20 billion won (approximately $13 million) tax shortfall in income tax and other taxes.
Investigations began when the NTS found the star’s income structure raised some red flags. Tax officials allege that his earnings were split between Fantagio (his representative label), the company under his mother’s name, and the actor himself. Due to this, it is argued that Cha was able to significantly reduce his tax burden.
While Cha is currently serving out his mandatory military service, Fantagio has come out with an official statement on his stance. “For the process to be concluded as swiftly as possible, the artist and his tax representative will cooperate diligently. We assure you that Cha Eun Woo will continue, as a citizen of this country, to fulfil tax filings and his legal obligations faithfully.” He is expected to be discharged on 27 January 2027.
Currently, a pre-assessment review is underway, which will determine if the case will remain a civil tax dispute or become a criminal investigation. The latter could see Cha face upwards of five years in prison.
ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon is appointed official Torchbearer for 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics
It’s a full circle moment for Enhypen Sunghoon. As a former reserve member of the South Korean national figure skating team before his debut, the idol will now represent South Korea as the torchbearer for the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
“Personally, during my days as an athlete, it was my dream to participate in the Olympics. It feels like I’ve now achieved that dream as a singer, so I’m delighted and honoured,” said Sunghoon.
He is the second K-pop artist to participate in an overseas Olympic torch relay, following BTS’s Jin, who was one of the torchbearers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Fans can catch Sungoon pass the Olympic flame on 6 February, the day of the opening ceremony for this year’s winter games.
BTS records over 4 million pre-orders for Arirang album
ARMYs all around the world are excited as ever for BTS’s full-group comeback if the album pre-saves are anything to go by. As of 22 January, the group broke its personal record with their upcoming fifth full-length album, Arirang, garnering 4.06 million pre-orders, just one week after pre-orders opened on 16 January.
This surpasses BTS’s previous record set by their fourth full-length album MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 in 202,0 with 3.42 million pre-orders within its first week. Arirang is set to drop on 20 March with the group embarking on a world tour (including Malaysia as a stop!) from April onwards.
Jisoo and Seo In Guk are rivals in upcoming rom-com drama
On 21 January, Netflix unveiled its slate of K-drama content for 2026, offering a first look at Jisoo’s upcoming rom-com with Seo In Guk. Titled Boyfriend on Demand, the series follows Mi Rae, an overworked webtoon producer who subscribes to a virtual dating simulation service and enters a virtual world, where she’s able to date the men of her dreams.
EXO makes highly anticipated return with Reverxe
EXO-Ls all around the world rejoiced on 19 January because legendary K-pop boy group EXO made their long-awaited return with their eighth studio album Reverxe. The release comes with the music video for its title track, ‘Crown’, a hard dance-pop song with explosive trap drums and EDM synths. Stream the album below!
Blackpink announces February comeback with Deadline
Another mega group making their comeback is none other than Blackpink. Hot off their Deadline world tour, the quartet is making their full-group return with their third mini album with the same name. The record is set to drop on 27 February.
AllDay Project’s Annie is going back to school
On 14 January, AllDay Project’s agency The Black Label announced that member Annie will resume her studies at Columbia University in the United States this spring. Anine majors in Art History and Visual Arts at the prestigious university and took a leave of absence to debut in the K-pop group last June. The singer will be focusing on completing her semester and graduating in May.
Jay Park’s boy group debuts groovy track ‘Moonwalkin’
All eyes are on Lngshot, the first boy band formed and managed by More Vision, the record label founded by celebrated hip-hop artist Jay Park. Consisting of members Ohyul, Ryul, Woojin, and Louis, Lngshot debuted on 13 January with ‘Moonwalkin’, a melodic R&B track with trap and hip-hop elements. Stream their debut EP below.
BoA parts ways with SM Entertainment after 25 years
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It’s the end of an era. Legendary K-pop artist and music icon BoA is ending her journey with SM Entertainment after 25 years. On 12 January, the agency released an official statement announcing the departure.
“Debuting in 2000 at the age of 13, BoA has, now past the 25th anniversary of her debut, been beloved by global music fans as an “icon of global expansion” who pioneered the Korean Wave across Asia and as the “Star of Asia,” and she has become a role model for countless junior artists driving the K-pop boom.
From her extraordinary debut that wrote a new chapter in Korean popular music history to her present growth as a No.1 artist and producer, we remember every moment, and it has been a true honour for our company to walk alongside her every step of the way. For 25 years, BoA has been, without question, the pride, joy, and symbol of SM,” the statement reads.
The agency released a tribute video to commemorate BoA’s 25-year-long tenure at SM Entertainment.
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BoA also took to Instagram to share her feelings and gratitude. “Having given and received without holding back, I leave without regrets. I’m grateful for the time we shared and will continue to support the ever-shining SM Entertainment. Thank you,” the caption reads.
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