Kim Dae-ji "Check Jeon Kwang-hoon's Tax Evasion Allegations"... Yoon Hee-sook "Arbitrary Use of Authority"

Nominee Kim Dae-ji for Commissioner of the National Tax Service, Confirmation Hearing

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Kim Daeji, nominee for Commissioner of the National Tax Service, expressed his intention on the 19th to verify the tax evasion allegations against Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, the head pastor of Sarang Jeil Church.

At the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly that day, in response to Rep. Woo Won-sik of the Democratic Party of Korea's remark that "a tax investigation of Pastor Jeon is necessary," Kim said, "If tax evasion is revealed, strict measures will be taken."

Rep. Woo stated, "Pastor Jeon has been accused of embezzlement by the Korea Christian Federation's investigation committee, and some evidence of embezzlement was secured through last year's tax and police investigations. It is expected that evidence of embezzlement or tax evasion can be confirmed during the tax investigation."

He added, "Pastor Jeon's antisocial and illegal activities must be thoroughly investigated," emphasizing, "A tax investigation of Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon is necessary, just like the tax investigation of Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee."

When Kim expressed his willingness to conduct a tax investigation, Rep. Yoon Hee-sook of the United Future Party criticized, calling it "an arbitrary abuse of authority."

Rep. Yoon said, "The law states that tax investigations should not be abused for other purposes," and added, "Your recent statement sounds like a promise by the National Tax Service to investigate individuals who are socially criticized or those endorsed by the ruling party. Are you promising illegal actions?"

In response, Kim said, "I meant that if there is a suspicion of tax evasion, an investigation will be conducted," and clarified, "We can only investigate if we receive reports, information, or data and there is a legally defined suspicion of tax evasion."

When further questioned whether he intended to look into the tax evasion suspicions of a specific individual, he replied, "I said it would be done if there is suspicion of tax evasion," adding, "This is a general statement."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.