Okay, this one stings. Cha Eunwoo — ASTRO’s visual, actor, and longtime member — posted a personal statement on Instagram addressing serious tax evasion allegations, and the timing has ignited backlash. Korean media and netizens criticized that his apology was dated January 26 — which is Moonbin’s birthday — and called the timing “strikingly selfish.”
Quick facts from the news: the allegations reportedly involve about 20 billion won, and Eunwoo issued his first public remarks on January 26, four days after the controversy broke. MyDaily ran pieces questioning why he chose that specific day, noting Eunwoo’s close history with Moonbin and pointing to emotional moments Eunwoo has previously shared about him.
“There was yesterday, a day off, and tomorrow is still coming in three hours. So, why today? … The timing is strikingly selfish.” — MyDaily
Fans on X (Twitter) also noticed the date printed at the end of his statement and expressed discomfort, saying the placement felt insensitive given Moonbin passed away on April 19, 2023 and that Jan 26 is his birthday.
As a fan, it’s painful to watch public controversies collide with memories of a lost member. The conversation right now isn’t just about the allegations themselves but about optics and timing — and those are things people react to emotionally.
Context every fan should know:
- ASTRO debuted in 2016 under Fantagio and rose to fame with songs like “All Night” and “Crazy Sexy Cool.”
- Moonbin sadly passed away on April 19, 2023; his birthday is January 26, which is why that date is so sensitive for fans.
- Cha Eunwoo is both an active actor and an ASTRO member, often in the public eye for projects outside the group.
What happens next will probably depend on how Eunwoo and his agency address both the legal questions and the public’s concerns about timing. For now, the internet is split between defending him, calling for clarity on the allegations, and asking for a little more sensitivity around Moonbin’s memory.
Source: Koreaboo
