Tax Mix-Up or Honest Mistake? Actor Lee Min-ki Pays Back Taxes Following Corporate Audit
K-drama fans were caught by surprise on Wednesday when news broke that Actor Lee Min-ki had cleared a back-tax bill following a recent audit into his one-person corporation. However, his agency was quick to clear the air, emphasizing that the incident was a matter of shifting legal interpretations rather than any intentional wrongdoing.
On May 20, the actor’s management agency, Sangyoung ENT, officially confirmed the completion of the tax audit and the subsequent payment. Standing firmly behind their star, the agency flatly denied any malicious intent, explaining that the discrepancy arose solely from how the actor’s independent company and the National Tax Service (NTS) interpreted business expense standards.
“No Fraudulent Evasion”—Agency Issues Clear Statement
According to Sangyoung ENT, Actor Lee Min-ki has maintained an spotless track record when it comes to his civic duties. “Lee has always complied with the law and faithfully fulfilled his duty to pay taxes since his debut,” the agency stated, reassuring fans of his financial integrity.
Addressing the root cause of the audit, the agency clarified that the back-tax assessment was triggered by different accounting benchmarks used to book operational expenses for his one-person agency. “We are making it clear that there was absolutely no intentional concealment of income or any kind of fraudulent evasion,” Sangyoung ENT added, confirming that the finalized amount was paid promptly and transparently once the NTS delivered its findings.
A Sincere Apology and a Promise for Better Management
While the agency chose not to disclose the specific financial figures or the finer details of the audit, they did offer a heartfelt apology to the public for the sudden concern. To prevent similar accounting headaches down the road, Sangyoung ENT promised a complete overhaul of their internal financial systems. “We will review our tax and accounting management systems even more closely so that similar incidents do not occur in the future,” they pledged.
Known for his versatile acting chops and deadpan wit, Actor Lee Min-ki is a beloved fixture on Korean television. He has anchored numerous hit series, including the critically acclaimed slice-of-life drama My Liberation Notes (2022), the quirky romance Behind Your Touch (2023), and the quintessential rom-com Because This is My First Life (2017).
With the financial loose ends now officially tied up, fans are relieved to see the star handle the matter swiftly and responsibly so he can focus on what he does best—delivering stellar performances on screen.
