Seoul, January 23, 2026 — Luxury villas leased by South Korean celebrities Lee Seung Gi and Baekhyun have been seized amid allegations of tax delinquency and fraud against One Hundred chairman Cha Ga Won, sparking concerns the stars could lose their homes and substantial financial investments.
Celebrity Homes at Risk Due to Tax Issues
The National Tax Service’s recent actions raise questions about the financial stability of One Hundred and its impact on affiliated artists.
- The National Tax Service seized villas in Hannam-dong, Seoul, linked to Cha Ga Won.
- Lee Seung Gi and Baekhyun both signed large jeonse contracts for units in the Lanuvo complex.
- Both celebrities took out significant loans to cover deposits, potentially leaving them liable for substantial debt.
- Cha Ga Won is also facing a separate lawsuit involving tens of billions of won.
The National Tax Service recently seized multiple units within the high-end Lanuvo villas in Hannam-dong, Seoul, after determining Cha had failed to remit a significant amount in taxes. A domestic company also filed for, and received court approval for, a provisional seizure of Cha’s ownership stakes in the properties, effectively barring her from exercising any property rights.
What does this mean for Lee Seung Gi and Baekhyun? Both signed massive jeonse (lump-sum lease) contracts for units in Lanuvo Phase 1, reportedly worth ₩10.5 billion KRW (approximately $7.17 million USD) and ₩16.0 billion KRW (approximately $10.9 million USD), respectively. At the time of the leases, each celebrity secured large loans under their own names to cover the substantial deposits. Should the properties be auctioned off due to Cha’s financial difficulties, the full burden of those loans could fall squarely on Lee and Baekhyun, potentially resulting in significant debt and the loss of their residences.
With all four units of Lanuvo Phase 1 now under provisional seizure, anxieties are mounting that Lee Seung Gi and Baekhyun could become heavily indebted and ultimately lose their homes. The situation highlights the risks associated with jeonse agreements, a common practice in South Korea where tenants pay a large lump-sum deposit instead of monthly rent.
Cha Ga Won, who leads One Hundred and its associated labels, is also contending with a separate lawsuit amounting to tens of billions of won, further jeopardizing her real estate holdings and the operations of her companies. Observers suggest that her financial mismanagement could have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the artists signed to her labels but also her employees.
As legal proceedings unfold, all eyes are on whether Lee Seung Gi and Baekhyun can successfully recover their deposits or if they will face the grim reality of losing their homes. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar jeonse arrangements and highlight the need for greater financial oversight within the entertainment industry.
