Actress Lee Hanee has publicly spoken for the first time regarding charges of tax evasion totaling 6 billion KRW (approximately $4.4 million), revealing her side on the ongoing case.

On August 19, Lee participated in a virtual roundtable interview with MyDaily prior to the opening of Netflix's original series Aema. In addition to promoting the project, she tackled controversy over her taxes.

When questioned regarding the case, Lee spoke frankly. "Life is always full of unfair situations.

Differences in interpretation often lead to disputes, and in this line of work, there are times when you simply have to accept certain things as inevitable.

Above all, I deeply regret causing concern and surprise to so many people. Since a project is never mine alone, I was worried that my situation might negatively affect other."

She explained that while she has already paid the entire amount, the problem has not yet been solved. "Of course, there are aspects that feel unfair. But the case has not yet been fully concluded.

Although I have already paid all the taxes, I have formally requested a review by a higher authority to determine whether the assessment was truly appropriate.

Since the process is ongoing, it is difficult to go into specifics, but I am trying to remain calm and patient."

Lee also recognized the impact that the probe has had on her private life. "This has been going on for nearly four years, starting from my first pregnancy and childbirth.

Over time, I have become more composed. Treating it as an overwhelming crisis only harms your health, so I have decided to approach it more calmly."

In September 2023, the National Tax Service allegedly instructed Lee to pay 6 billion KRW after an audit.

Her agency made the following statement then: "Lee Hanee has always fulfilled her tax obligations in good faith under the guidance of her tax representative.

The additional assessment arose from a difference in interpretation between the tax authorities and her representative." She has paid the entire amount, and the case is unrelated to intentional tax evasion.

Her agency restated its position in March, saying that tax authorities decided her entertainment income was to be taxed as personal income instead of corporate revenue, even though corporate taxes were already paid.

The agency also emphasized, "There were no findings of unreported income or false expense claims during the audit.

The tax disposition has not yet been finalized. Lee intends to pursue legal procedures through a tax law firm to challenge the risk of double taxation and to seek a fair legal interpretation."

Lee stars in Aema, directed by Lee Hae Young, which tells the story of Korea's erotic cinema boom of the 1980s and is set to premiere on Netflix later this year.