South Korea Virtual Asset Tax Reignites Ruling-Opposition Rift; Deputy Prime Minister to Decide After "Maximum Careful Consideration"

According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean National Assembly's Committee on Finance and Economic Planning held its comprehensive audit of state affairs for 2026, where the ruling and opposition parties clashed over the virtual asset taxation issue, which has been postponed three times. Originating from the 2020 revision of the Income Tax Act, the policy is scheduled to take effect starting in January 2027 under current regulations. Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Deok-ho stated that the United States, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom have already implemented virtual asset taxes, noting that approximately 48 countries worldwide are currently taxing them. He argued that repeated delays undermine policy consistency, claiming that postponing or repealing enacted laws "shakes the foundations of the nation." Meanwhile, People Power Party lawmaker Lim Yi-ja pointed out that overseas exchanges have no obligation to submit transaction details to South Korea, compromising tax fairness. She also noted that industry players require at least six to nine months to build necessary infrastructure in accordance with National Tax Service announcements, indicating that current preparations remain insufficient.