• 2PM's Lee Junho Hit with Huge Tax Audit—But Was There Tax Evasion?

    2PM's Lee Junho, who is not only a popular member of the group but also a successful actor, recently revealed that he underwent a thorough tax audit that led to a major tax reassessment.

    The tax authorities have been closely examining his finances, but it seems there's no cause for alarm.

    According to reports on December 24th, Lee Junho was the subject of an unexpected tax audit by the Seoul Regional Tax Office’s Investigation Division 2, which took place back in September of last year.

    The audit was part of a larger campaign, the “Corporate Business Artist Irregular Integrated Tax Audit”, which focuses on high-net-worth individuals.

    Lee Junho owns two luxury units in the The Reverse Cheongdam officetel in Cheongdam-dong, with each valued between 1.5 billion to 1.8 billion won.

    In addition, he made a big purchase this year, acquiring a commercial building on Apgujeong Rodeo Street in Gangnam for 17.5 billion won.

    This building, previously owned by the late actress Kang Su Yeon, was originally bought in 2017 for 8 billion won. The property spans one basement floor and four stories above ground.

    The building was purchased through JF Company, a family-run corporation where Lee Junho and his parents have been registered as executives since October 2021.

    The Seoul National Tax Service's Investigation Division 2 has previously conducted audits on other famous celebrities and high-net-worth individuals like actors Kwon Sang Woo and Lee Byung Hun, raising questions about whether such scrutiny is standard for those in Lee Junho's position.

    A tax official clarified, “We conduct audits on high-net-worth individuals and celebrities, but if everything checks out, no further action is taken.”

    This suggests that Lee Junho had to face suspicion of potential tax issues, although his representatives have confirmed that there was no tax evasion involved. “The reassessed taxes have been fully paid,” they assured.

    Despite the audit, it seems Lee Junho has cleared up any concerns about his taxes and has moved forward without any further issues.

    Source: [1]

  • Lee Kyung Gyu secretly helped Hong Jin Kyung debut on TV and she didn’t even know for years

    Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

    On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

    Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

    Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

    Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

    She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

    She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

    Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

    Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

    He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

    He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

    Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

    That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

    He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

    Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

    Source: [1]