Actress Jun Ji Hyun is setting the record straight about the tax investigation she was part of two years ago.

On February 10th, a representative from Jun Ji Hyun's agency, IEUM HASHTAG, spoke to HeraldPOP and confirmed that the actress had fully complied with all procedures during the 2023 tax investigation. "There were no issues with the investigation," the rep stated.

However, the representative did mention that there had been a misunderstanding between the tax accountant and the National Tax Service over how some expenses were handled.

This led to a minor discrepancy, resulting in Jun Ji Hyun paying an additional 20 million won in taxes. The rep clarified that this payment is simply a part of the normal tax process, saying, “This additional tax is completely unrelated to any illegal activities or major tax issues.”

In the past, reports had surfaced about a large-scale tax probe targeting Korean celebrities, with Jun Ji Hyun among those investigated.

It was initially reported that after a thorough investigation, Jun Ji Hyun paid a significant fine, marking the first time in 9 years that her finances had been under scrutiny.

Though specific details were not shared, the media speculated that the investigation might have had something to do with her real estate dealings.

To give some background, in 2007, Jun Ji Hyun bought a five-story building in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam for 8.6 billion won.

Later, in 2021, she sold the property for a whopping 23.5 billion won, earning a profit of 14.9 billion won. Furthermore, in 2022, Jun Ji Hyun and her husband bought a luxurious penthouse in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, for 13 billion won.

Despite all the rumors, Jun Ji Hyun has made it clear that there is no wrongdoing involved and the extra payment was just a routine part of tax correction.

Source: [1]

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]