Webtoon Artist Yaongyi Addresses Tax Controversy, Thanks Fans for Support: 'My Ignorance Was My Biggest Fault'

Webtoon artist Yaongyi (real name Kim Na-young) has shared her feelings for the first time since a tax controversy, expressing gratitude to her fans.

On the 20th, Yaongyi held a Q&A session with fans on her social media account. In response to a fan who wrote, "I heard your news and I'm glad that the unfair things you went through have been resolved. I support you," Yaongyi replied, "My ignorance was my biggest fault. I will study more, get advice from experts, and try even harder in the future."

When another fan admired her resilience despite the controversy, saying, "It's admirable how you're overcoming the issues without getting hurt," she humorously responded, "I've been through so much hardship that I've only gained experience points." She also expressed regret about her past purchase of luxury goods with her first earnings, saying, "I should have bought Nvidia with that money!! I spent it all...", hinting at her regret for not investing in stocks earlier.

Yaongyi married webtoon artist Jeon Sun-wook in 2022. In 2023, she faced allegations of tax evasion. At the time, she acknowledged that while there was no evidence of personal use of corporate cards or vehicles, some items were improperly handled, leading to tax assessments. She apologized for the oversight. After a period of inactivity, Yaongyi announced she was preparing a new work in January of last year and is currently sharing her daily life with fans via social media.

Netizens commented with messages of encouragement, such as "It's such a relief that you've overcome the difficult times, Yaongyi!", "You'll do even better from now on. We're rooting for you!", and "Your honest attitude is refreshing. We'll always support you!"