Actor Lee Ha-nee addresses real estate purchase allegations, denies illegal practices

By KTimes

Actor Lee Ha-nee, 41, who was recently embroiled in tax evasion accusations, responded to questions regarding the source of funds for her real estate purchase, asserting that all procedures were legal.

Lee reportedly purchased a house worth 6.5 billion won ($4.86 million) in November 2017 through a company named Hope Project. The company, which Lee established in October 2015 with an initial investment of 10 million won, acquired the property without any additional capital injections, raising questions about the source of funds.

Properties in the vicinity are currently selling for around 14 million won per 3.3 square meters. Based on the land area, the building's market value is estimated at around 15 billion won.

An official from Lee’s agency, Teamhope, said on Wednesday that following the initial contract in 2017, the transaction was delayed for three years due to the property owner’s death, with the final payment and contract completion taking place in 2020.

"As a result, the loan was secured in 2020. During the property acquisition, a capital source investigation was conducted, and we provided sufficient documentation, including income certificates and financial transaction records, such as the loan," the official said. "All procedures were carried out in accordance with the law.”

The official also added, “We apologize for any concern caused by the recent news involving our actor. However, we sincerely request that individuals refrain from visiting the residence out of respect for the safety and privacy of the family and residents.”

Previously, it was revealed that Hope Project underwent a nonregular tax audit by tax authorities in September last year and was ordered to pay approximately 6 billion won ($4.49 million) in back taxes. Teamhope said, “The tax assessment resulted from differing interpretations between the tax authorities and our tax representatives.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.