TV Host Cleared of Tax Dodging

Published on 2011/12/19 | Source

The Seoul Central Prosecutor's Office has dismissed charges of tax evasion against star TV host Kang Ho-dong, it said Sunday. The complaint had been filed by an individual in May.

Prosecutors said they had no evidence of tax dodging and could not bring an arraignment without charges filed by the National Tax Service. According to the law, the NTS must file charges if prosecutors are to investigate individuals whose annual tax payments do not exceed W500 million (US$1=W1,157). Kang's annual tax bill apparently totaled W200-300 million between 2007 and 2009.

The NTS did not bring charge against Kang because a demand for back taxes stemmed from an accounting error by its staff, but Kang resigned from all shows he hosted when the story broke.