Actress Honey Lee Settles 6 Billion KRW in Extra Taxes, Refutes Tax Evasion Claims

Honey Lee Faces Tax Investigation: Key Details Unveiled

On February 17, a notable media outlet revealed that the Seoul Regional Tax Office launched an intensive tax investigation into Honey Lee and her associated entity, Hope Project, in September of the previous year. Following this scrutiny, it was reported that she has been charged with approximately 6 billion KRW in unpaid income taxes and related dues—a substantial amount compared to penalties levied against other celebrities in similar situations.

The investigation reportedly stems from the establishment of Hanee Co., Ltd., a corporation founded by Honey Lee on October 5, 2015, during her affiliation with her former agency, Saram Entertainment. In 2018, the company was rebranded to Lee Rye-yoon Co., Ltd.and later changed its name again in 2022 to Hope Project Co., Ltd. Until January 2023, she held the roles of CEO and internal director of the company.

At present, her husband has taken on the CEO position, while Honey Lee remains an internal director. According to the tax office, signs of potential tax evasion came to light during a non-regular audit of Saram Entertainment, prompting the subsequent investigation into both Honey Lee and her business venture in September 2022.

In response to these allegations, Honey Lee has firmly denied any involvement in large-scale tax evasion. Her agency, TEAMHOPE, issued a statement on February 17 asserting that she fully cooperated with the Seoul Regional Tax Office throughout the audit process, which was part of a broader investigation into corporate artists.

According to the agency, “With the support of her tax representatives, Honey Lee has consistently adhered to legal requirements and met her tax duties. The additional tax payment was due to differing interpretations between the tax authorities and her representatives, rather than any intentional evasion.”

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