All Korean citizens have to pay taxes on their income, which includes K-Pop celebrities. When they're traveling around the world entertaining us or right here in Korea, they need to pay tax on the money they earn.
To make the K-Pop stars role models for the public, the government has created an award, the National Tax Service Celebrity Model Taxpayer, and Public Service Ambassadors. This is given to those celebrities that are not "facing tax evasion or tax fraud problems," stated the experts at Tax Evasion Canada.
Instead, they're ideal citizens, pay all that is due and be strong role models for all Koreans. We're going to tell you about the recipients from the years 2014 to 2016.
2014- Ha Ji-won and Gong Yoo
Ha Ji-won
The 2014 recipient's real name is Jeon Hae-rim, and her stage name is Ha Ji-won. She is an actress and is best known for her role in Empress Ki and Hospital Ship. This Korean star can pull off many genres, such as comedy, horror, drama, and action.
Ha Ji-won had her breakthrough role in a teen drama, New Generation Report: Adults Don't Understand Us. Since then, she's starred in many television and movies. The actress tried her hand at music, fashion, and writing as well.
Gong Yoo
Gong Yoo studied theatre at Kyung Hee University and started his career in 2001 with his role in School 4. He became a household name after his leading role in the romantic comedy, Coffee Prince.
The Age of Shadows, and Silenced, the film adaptation of The Crucible by Gong Ji-Young, are his best-known movie roles. In March 2020, he was cast in an upcoming film Wonderland, and we're all excited to see his performance.
2015- Yoona and Song Seung-Heon
Yoona
This South Korean actress and singer was one of the 2015 National Tax Service Celebrity Model Taxpayers and Public Service Ambassadors. She was first known as a member of the girl group Girls' Generation, one of the most popular female bands worldwide.
Yoona is also known for her acting skills as she's had roles in both television and film. She received her first leading role in 2019 with Exit, one of the highest-grossing films for South Korea.
Song Seung-Heon
This Korean heartthrob won the award alongside Yoona. Song Seung-Heon is currently an actor and a favorite K-Pop celebrity. He started his career as a model in 1995 with the jean company STORM.
He made his film acting debut in 1999 in Calla. However, he is best known for his roles in Autumn in My Heart and the television series, My Princess.
2016- Choi Ji-woo and Jo In-sung
Choi Ji-woo
Choi Ji-woo is considered one of Korea's most beautiful women and is extremely talented as well. MBC discovered her when she won a talent audition, and the rest is history. The following year, she received a major role in The Gate of Destiny but was replaced because of her limited acting skills at that time.
This didn't stop Choi Ji-woo, though, as she went on to star in many television dramas and films. She is best known for her roles in Women with a Suitcase, and Temptation.
Jo In-sung
The 2016 male recipient is another well known K-Pop star we all love. He started his career with modeling for a clothing brand. The next year, he began acting with his first role in the sitcom Jump.
He became very popular when he started working on the television melodrama What Happened in Bali. This won him Best Actor in the SBS Drama Awards and a Baeksang Arts Award.
The Bottom Line
These stars aren't just entertainers; they're also model citizens who pay their taxes every year. In Korea, this is a noble act and should be recognized. We love our K-Pop stars, knowing they're not only talents but also following the tax laws.
