Yoo Yeon Seok's appeal over 2.1 million USD tax assessment rejected, administrative lawsuit still possible

05 Aug 2026, 21:50 by K-Soul · allkpop

Yoo Yeon Seok's appeal seeking to overturn a tax assessment of approximately 3 billion KRW (around 2.1 million USD) has been rejected by South Korea's Tax Tribunal.

A representative from his agency, King Kong by Starship, told Dispatch on August 5, "This matter stems from differences in the interpretation and application of tax law," adding, "The related legal procedures have not yet been fully concluded."

According to the report, the Tax Tribunal recently dismissed Yoo Yeon Seok's tax appeal. The actor had conducted his activities through his privately established company, Forever Entertainment. However, the National Tax Service (NTS) determined that the corporation had not been carrying out substantive business related to supporting his entertainment activities.

Last year, the NTS initially imposed a tax assessment of more than 6 billion KRW (approximately 4.2 million USD). Yoo requested a pre-assessment review, which reduced the final amount to roughly 3 billion KRW. After paying the revised tax, he filed an appeal with the Tax Tribunal.

The tribunal ultimately ruled that the National Tax Service's assessment was valid. Yoo may still choose to continue the dispute by filing an administrative lawsuit. However, his agency declined to comment further, saying, "Nothing else has been decided at this point, so it is difficult for us to provide additional details."

Under South Korea's Framework Act on National Taxes, a taxpayer may file a lawsuit seeking the cancellation of a tax assessment with the administrative court that has jurisdiction over the relevant tax office within 90 days of receiving the tribunal's decision. If that deadline passes, the tax assessment becomes final.

The agency also stated, "We will faithfully respond to any necessary matters in accordance with the procedures prescribed by relevant laws and regulations. Yoo Yeon Seok has consistently fulfilled his tax obligations in good faith, and he will continue to approach this matter responsibly."

Meanwhile, Yoo Yeon Seok is preparing for the second-half release of the new MBC drama series 'Liar,' where he will star alongside Seo Hyun Jin in a psychological thriller.

Share this article SHARE