Yoo Jae-suk Pays Taxes Live on TV Show, Emphasizes Timely Filing

During the first episode of the web variety program “풍향중” released on the YouTube channel “뜬뜬,” South Korean entertainer Yoo Jae‑suk stopped the broadcast to visit a bank and pay his income tax before the June 30 deadline. He explained that the filming schedule left him no time to handle the payment earlier and stressed that “taxes must be paid on time.” Co‑hosts Lee Seong‑min, Ji Seok‑jin and Yang Se‑chan reacted with surprise and humor, noting it was the first time they had seen him make a tax‑payment on air.

Yoo, widely regarded as a model taxpayer, uses an estimated‑tax filing method that results in a higher effective rate—about 41 % of earnings—compared with the typical 27 % for many entertainers. Tax experts cited his approach as a way to avoid audit risk, even though it means paying more. The incident sparked discussion about tax compliance among Korean celebrities.

The broadcast highlighted Yoo’s reputation for fiscal responsibility and sparked public interest in how high‑earning entertainers manage their taxes.