[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] On June 26, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung nominated Rep. Lim Kwang-hyun of the Democratic Party as the next Commissioner of the National Tax Service (NTS), a vice-ministerial level position. Lim, a former Deputy Commissioner of the NTS, is widely recognized for his tax policy expertise and has long served as a key advisor on fiscal matters within the ruling party.



Kang Hoon-sik, Chief Presidential Secretary, announced the nomination in a press briefing, stating:
“Lim Kwang-hyun is a seasoned professional in tax administration, having previously served as Commissioner of the Seoul Regional Tax Office and Deputy Commissioner of the NTS. With broader insights gained through his recent role in the National Assembly’s Strategy and Finance Committee, he is expected to contribute to fair tax enforcement and stronger taxpayer protections.”



Lim entered politics after retiring from public office and was elected to the National Assembly in April 2024 as a proportional representative. He is currently the only sitting lawmaker in the 22nd National Assembly holding a licensed tax accountant credential, further reinforcing his policy credibility in fiscal and tax affairs.



Nicknamed the “investigation expert to the bone,” Lim is best known for his unmatched tenure in the NTS investigation bureau, having held six key posts—a rare accomplishment in the agency’s history. His past roles include heading investigation bureaus at both the Seoul and Jungbu regional offices, as well as the central NTS office.



During his time in office, he was credited with modernizing the tax filing system by introducing phone-based simplified filings and expanding digital services, reducing the need for in-person visits to local tax offices. These reforms significantly improved convenience and access for Korean taxpayers.



If confirmed by the National Assembly, Lim will resign from his parliamentary seat and return to lead the country’s top tax agency amid intensifying focus on equitable tax administration and fiscal reform.

 

 

 

 

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