Credit: TEAMHOPE
Lee Ha Nee has spoken out about the recent tax evasion allegations surrounding her.
In a video interview for the Netflix series Aema , the actress said, “When you do this work, there are inevitably unfair situations.” She continued, “The case hasn’t been finalized yet. Although the tax has already been paid, there seems to be a difference in interpretation, so we’ve requested a re-evaluation.”
Last September, Lee Ha Nee underwent an unscheduled comprehensive tax audit for corporate-registered entertainers conducted by the Seoul Regional Tax Office. Following the audit, it was revealed that she paid an additional tax of approximately 6 billion won ($4.2 million).
When the allegations of tax evasion surfaced, her agency, Hope Project, issued a statement in February, clarifying, “This has absolutely no relation to intentional tax omission,” and adding, “The full amount of additional tax has been paid.”
As the controversy continued, Lee Ha Nee’s side reiterated its stance, explaining, “The income tax assessment resulting from this audit stems from a difference in legal interpretation over whether income earned by entertainers operating as corporate entities should be taxed as corporate tax or as personal income tax.”
Addressing the issue directly, Lee Ha Nee shared, “I have been undergoing tax audits for about four years, ever since my first pregnancy. I’m now at peace with it. If you worry too much, you get sick.”
She added, “I was concerned that if I caused any hindrance, it would affect the projects, which don’t belong solely to me.” Concluding her remarks, she said, “I apologize for causing concern.”
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