Actress Lee Ha-nui Responds to 6 Billion Won Tax Audit Penalty: "Not Intentional Tax Evasion"

National Tax Service Imposes 6 Billion Won in Additional Taxes Through Tax Investigation
Lee Hanee's Side: "Additional Tax Due to Differences in Perspective"

Actress Lee Ha-nui was revealed to have paid tens of billions of won in additional taxes after undergoing a rigorous tax investigation by the tax authorities. In response, Lee Ha-nui's side explained, "This is additional tax due to differences in perspective, and it is not intentional tax evasion."

On the 17th, Lee Ha-nui's agency TEAMHOPE stated, "We would like to deliver an official position regarding the tax investigation of our artist Lee Ha-nui," adding, "Lee Ha-nui sincerely cooperated with the investigation conducted by the Seoul Regional Tax Office as part of an irregular integrated tax audit for corporate artist businesses." They further explained, "Under the advice of our tax agent, she has faithfully fulfilled her tax obligations in compliance with laws and procedures. This additional tax is due to differences in perspective between the tax authorities and the tax agent, and the full amount has been paid. It has nothing to do with intentional tax evasion."

Actor Lee Ha-nee. Lee Ha-nee Instagram

Earlier that morning, Field News reported that the Seoul Regional Tax Office conducted a rigorous tax investigation on Lee Ha-nui and Hope Project Co., Ltd. in September of last year. As a result, the National Tax Service reportedly imposed additional taxes amounting to 6 billion won, including income tax, on Lee Ha-nui.

According to the report, the Gangnam Tax Office's investigation division detected signs of tax evasion between Lee Ha-nui and her agency, Saram Entertainment, during an irregular tax audit of Saram Entertainment in 2022. The Gangnam Tax Office reported this to a higher authority, prompting the tax authorities to launch a tax investigation targeting Lee Ha-nui and Hope Project Co., Ltd.

Lee Ha-nui established a corporation named "Hanui Co., Ltd." in October 2015 while she was affiliated with Saram Entertainment. She subsequently changed the company name twice: to "Irye-yoon Co., Ltd." in January 2018 and to "Hope Project Co., Ltd." in September 2022. Lee Ha-nui served as the CEO and inside director of the company until January 2023. It is reported that her husband, Mr. A, currently holds the CEO position, while Lee Ha-nui serves as an inside director.

Meanwhile, Lee Ha-nui debuted in the entertainment industry after winning the runner-up title at the 2006 Miss Korea pageant. She has since appeared in films such as Yeongasi, Tazza: The Hidden Card, Extreme Job, and Alien, as well as dramas including Pasta, Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People, Hot Blood, One the Woman, and Flowers Bloom at Night. Her upcoming projects include the Netflix series Aema and Slowly but Strongly.