Kim Jong-in: "Easing inheritance tax rates is out of the question... No significant moves from the political sphere"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, dismissed calls from within the party to ease the inheritance tax rate, saying it is "nonsense."

On the morning of the 29th, immediately after the Emergency Committee meeting, Kim told reporters, "That is nonsense. There is no need to review it."

He added, "Since it is determined by law, it should be imposed according to the National Tax Service procedures. There is no need for the political circle to comment on this."

This comes amid discussions within the People Power Party about lowering the inheritance tax rate following the death of Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, which resulted in an inheritance tax exceeding 10 trillion won. It is also known that the topic of 'lowering the inheritance tax rate' was raised during a pre-meeting of the Emergency Committee. Bae Jun-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said, "The chairman clearly drew the line," and added, "He is very displeased that such discussions are even taking place."

Regarding President Moon's policy speech the previous day, Kim said, "It was not really worth commenting on. It was just a list of repeated statements and an emphasis on the government's success."

When asked about the possibility that special prosecutors for Lime and Optimus cases might not be appointed, he said, "The government and ruling party are not accepting this, so the current situation is not progressing," and added, "Since the ruling party holds an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly, if they do not accept it, there is no other way."

Regarding calls from within the party for an early party convention, he said, "Don't ask me. It has nothing to do with me," avoiding further comment. When Rep. Cho Kyung-tae proposed conducting a 'public opinion poll on the Emergency Committee,' Kim also dismissed it, saying, "I have nothing to say."

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