K-pop Star and Actor Lee Junho of '2PM' Faces Major Tax Investigation!
In a recent revelation, Lee Junho, a member of the K-pop group '2PM' and a successful actor, underwent an intensive tax investigation resulting in significant additional tax payments. His agency, JYP Entertainment, has stepped forward to clarify. "This was his first non-regular tax audit in his 17-year career, during which we fully complied with all laws and procedures set by the tax authorities. While there were some differences in interpretation, we have paid all the additional taxes that were assessed."
On December 26(KST), JYP Entertainment issued a statement explaining that the investigation, conducted in September 2023 by the Seoul Regional Tax Office Investigation Division 2, was part of a routine audit of corporate business artists and not due to any suspicion of tax evasion.
The agency emphasized that Junho had consistently filed his taxes with professional guidance. "The additional payment resulted from differing interpretations between tax authorities and our tax representatives," they stated. The agency maintained that there were no intentional omissions in his tax filings.
Known for his financial acumen among '2PM' members, Junho has made several notable real estate investments. In February 2019, he acquired two units in 'The Rivers Cheongdam,' a luxury officetel in Seoul's affluent Gangnam district, with each unit valued between 1.5 to 1.8 billion KSD ( $1.02 to $1.23 million USD). More recently, in March 2024, his family company, JF Company, purchased a commercial building in the prestigious Apgujeong Rodeo area for 17.5 billion won(Approximately $11.9M USD).
The Investigation Division 2 of the Seoul Regional Tax Office, which conducted Junho's audit, is known for its rigorous investigations of high-profile celebrities, including previous cases involving actors Kwon Sang-woo and Lee Byung-hun. The audit was reportedly part of a broader investigation targeting high-net-worth artists with corporate business structures.