SNS Supercar Photos Suddenly Deleted... Webtoon Artist Fuels Tax Evasion Controversy

Photos Deleted as National Tax Service Investigation Begins
Admits "Lack of Attention" Amid Tax Evasion Allegations

The National Tax Service (NTS) has launched an intensive tax investigation targeting some high-income earners, amid which the popular webtoon artist 'Yaongi (31, real name Kim Nayoung)' sparked controversy by suddenly deleting photos of a supercar from her social network service (SNS). In response, the artist admitted to some related facts, stating, "There were some parts that were handled incorrectly."

On the 9th, the NTS announced, "We have initiated a high-intensity tax investigation on a total of 84 individuals, including some business operators, celebrities, athletes, YouTubers, and webtoon artists who enjoy stable high income based on their public popularity and social influence but have not fulfilled their tax obligations."

Cat Artist [Photo by Cat Artist on Instagram]

They are suspected of underreporting income by establishing one-person agencies under family members' names, falsely paying wages to relatives, or embezzling sponsorship and advertising income through nominee accounts.

Among the 84 individuals targeted in this tax investigation by the NTS, 18 are personal service providers such as celebrities, athletes, gamers, and webtoon artists. The NTS stated, "Real names cannot be disclosed according to the Framework Act on National Taxes."

Among them, the popular webtoon artist Yaongi recently raised suspicions by deleting all photos of supercars from her SNS.

Earlier, Yonhap News TV reported on the tax investigation, stating, "Webtoon artist D reduced declared income and evaded taxes by establishing a corporation and transferring copyrights they owned for free," and "D purchased several supercars under the corporation's name and also bought luxury goods using the corporate card."

Cat Artist [Photo by Cat Artist on Instagram]

In response, on the 11th, Yaongi posted on her SNS, "I would like to address the recent media reports."

Yaongi explained, "There was already a tax investigation by the NTS on the one-person corporation on November 16, 2022, and I sincerely cooperated with the investigation. As a result, it was acknowledged that there was no private use of the corporate card or vehicles. However, taxes were imposed on some items that were incorrectly handled."

She continued, "It is clearly my responsibility and a mistake caused by a lack of attention. I take the readers' criticism seriously." Yaongi added, "Currently, there is a dispute over the legal interpretation of value-added tax related to the publishing and webtoon industries, and I am actively clarifying the matter with the help of a professional accountant."

Finally, Yaongi apologized, saying, "I am sorry for causing concern to readers with this unpleasant news. I will faithfully fulfill my tax obligations and strive to be stricter with myself in my future activities."

Yaongi rose to fame as a popular artist with her 2018 debut work, the Naver webtoon Goddess Advent. As of 2022, she is also an influencer with 1.5 million Instagram followers and has demonstrated her wealth by posting photos of expensive cars such as Ferraris and luxury goods multiple times.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.