Lee Joon-gi Appeals Tax Audit Decision After 900 Million Won Tax Assessment

Actor Lee Joon-gi's agency, Namoo Actors, has confirmed that he was recently assessed an additional tax of approximately 900 million won during a tax audit. In a statement released on March 19, 2025, the agency explained that Lee underwent a regular tax audit by the Gangnam Tax Office in 2023 and fully complied with the tax authority's decision by paying the assessed amount.

The agency clarified that the tax issue arose from differing interpretations of tax laws between their tax representative and the tax authorities, marking a departure from previous tax practices. They noted that there is ongoing debate among tax experts and academics regarding the matter.

Lee established JayGee Entertainment in January 2014 and subsequently signed an exclusive contract with Namoo Actors the same year. Following this, Namoo Actors paid Lee's appearance fees to JayGee Entertainment, which then reported these fees as corporate revenue for tax purposes. The tax authorities viewed this as an attempt at tax evasion.

Namoo Actors stated that during the audit, no other instances of tax evasion or concealment related to Lee were identified, and they respect the findings of the tax audit. However, they pointed out that similar practices had not been questioned during previous audits in 2015 and 2019, and they believe there is no existing judgment from the tax authorities or courts regarding income and asset management through personal corporations.

Cautiously, they have filed for a review with the Tax Tribunal to reassess the decision, which is currently under consideration. The agency emphasized that Lee has diligently fulfilled his tax obligations under the guidance of his tax representative and that both Lee and Namoo Actors are committed to complying with laws and procedures as responsible citizens and corporate entities in South Korea.