Lee Jae-myung, This Time a Verbal Clash with Han Duck-soo... "Why Cut Taxes for Chaebol?" vs "Corporate Tax Cuts Worldwide"

Tax Cut Debate at Representative Election Congratulatory Visit
Criticism of 'Wealthy Tax Cuts' Including Capital Gains Tax
Clash Over Comprehensive Real Estate Tax with Ruling Party Floor Leader the Day Before

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is moving for a private meeting after completing a public schedule with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo at the National Assembly on the 1st. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Kwon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, and Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who had a showdown over the reduction of the comprehensive real estate tax rate, exchanged pointed remarks about tax cuts with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who visited to offer congratulations.

On the 1st, while having a conversation with Prime Minister Han, who visited the party leader's meeting room at the National Assembly, Lee said, "If the budget is insufficient, it is common sense to think about increasing finances, so I don't understand why you want to cut taxes for large corporations with operating profits exceeding 300 billion won." Then he asked, "Is that not your thought, Prime Minister?"

Prime Minister Han said, "I somewhat agreed as well. I apologize," but expressed his position, saying, "The world is moving toward lowering corporate taxes, so we need to make downward adjustments."

Lee also mentioned the capital gains tax on stocks, saying, "You only exempted up to 1 billion won, but suddenly why should you cut taxes for those under 10 billion won? The public has doubts about such matters," and sharpened his point by saying, "We should create more jobs for the elderly."

Prime Minister Han responded, "Wouldn't it rather help activate the overall stock market?" Regarding jobs for the elderly, he said, "Of course, we are also trying our best to consider the lower-income and socially vulnerable groups," and appealed, "You have raised many painful issues."

As the remarks lengthened, floor spokesperson Lee Su-jin, who was present, said, "We can proceed privately as well," and Lee said, "You came to congratulate me, but I think I talked too much."

On the same day in the afternoon, Lee will visit Gwangju for his first regional schedule after taking office. There, he will hold a town hall meeting with party members and preside over an on-site Supreme Council meeting, embarking on a full-fledged campaign to court Honam.

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