"The People Are Angrier at Injustice Than Poverty"…Departing Kim Hyun-joon Urges "Leading the Realization of Tax Justice"

Kim Hyun-joon, Commissioner of the National Tax Service

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] "As the saying goes, 'Do not worry about poverty, but worry about inequality (不患 貧, 患 不均),' the people are more angered by unfairness than by poverty. We must strive to achieve fair tax administration and equitable taxation."

On the 21st, at the retirement ceremony held at the National Tax Service building in Sejong City, Kim Hyun-joon, Commissioner of the National Tax Service, said, "(The National Tax Service) must take the lead in realizing tax justice as an institution of equitable taxation."

Commissioner Kim emphasized, "We must ensure that no taxes are evaded or omitted through strict enforcement of tax laws and continuous improvement of the taxation system, and eradicate underground tax evasion by transparently disclosing the opaque areas of our society."

He also advised, "The National Tax Service should always communicate with taxpayers with a humble attitude as a service institution serving the people, and listen to the voices of the people with empathy (易地思之)."

He added, "Expectations and roles for the National Tax Service are growing more than ever. Please become a National Tax Service that meets these demands and receives even more love and trust from the people."

Commissioner Kim said, "Due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), not only the domestic and international economic situation but also the tax administration environment is very difficult. The headquarters, regional offices, and tax offices must unite as one team, and all, including managers, should wisely overcome the current difficulties with a spirit of putting public interest before private (先公後私) and leading by example (率先垂範)."

Finally, Commissioner Kim expressed gratitude, saying, "It is thanks to all of you who trusted me and silently devoted yourselves to your duties alongside me through thick and thin (同苦同樂) that I was able to complete my 1 year and 2 months as Commissioner of the National Tax Service without major faults despite the difficult and overwhelming position."

He concluded, "The philosopher I respect, Professor Kim Hyung-seok, said that happiness comes from sincerity and love. If we live sincerely every day and have a warm heart that loves everyone, happiness lies within that. Although there is excitement, curiosity, and a bit of fear about a new life and a new world, as Professor Kim said, I believe we can overcome it well with sincerity and love and live happily."

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