Actress Lee Ha-nui Reported for Tax Evasion and Embezzlement Allegations

On the 20th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced that a complaint regarding actress Lee Ha-nui's (41) suspected tax evasion, embezzlement, and breach of trust was received through the National Petition System.

Actor Lee Ha-nee Yonhap News

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The complaint reportedly states that Lee was imposed a supplementary tax payment of 6 billion KRW following a tax investigation, and that the corporation 'Hope Project' paid 2.7 billion KRW in salaries despite having no regular employees from 2021 to 2023. In particular, questions were raised about the unclear source of funds for the corporation, which had a capital of only 10 million KRW at its establishment but purchased real estate worth approximately 6.5 billion KRW under the corporate name within two years. The property in question is a two-story building located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. It served as the corporation's address from March 2018 to October 2020 and is currently operated as a restaurant. The corporation is currently represented by Lee's husband, while Lee is reported to serve as an inside director.

Lee's agency, Team Hope, stated, "Lee Ha-nui sincerely cooperated with the tax investigation conducted by the Seoul Regional Tax Office as part of an irregular integrated tax audit of corporate artist business operators," adding, "She fulfilled her tax obligations in compliance with laws and procedures under the advice of her tax representative." They further emphasized, "During the acquisition of the real estate, the source of funds was investigated, and sufficient supporting documents such as income certificates and financial transaction details including loans were submitted. All procedures were conducted in accordance with legal processes."

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