During the confirmation hearing for Tax Commissioner nominee Lim Kwang-hyun on 15th, the opposition raised suspicions of tax evasion against Lee Jae-myung’s eldest son, Lee Dong-ho, and urged the nominee to conduct a tax investigation into them. Nominee Lim responded generally, saying, “I will investigate according to the law and principles.”
Park Soo-young, a member of the People Power Party, opened the National Assembly Strategy and Finance Committee confirmation hearing for nominee Lim by noting, “As the first ever tax commissioner nominee from the National Assembly and the first to have a party affiliation, many members are concerned about political neutrality.”
He also requested that a tax investigation be conducted into the allegations of tax evasion involving the president’s close aides.
Park inquired, “If someone has an annual income of 300 million won before tax but owns real estate worth over 8.5 billion won, wouldn’t there be suspicions of tax evasion, and shouldn’t we investigate?”
In response, nominee Lim stated, “If there is tax evasion, I believe we should investigate according to the law and principles.”
Then, Park stated, “This person is Bae So-hyun, who was Secretary to the First Lady,” and requested, “Please investigate.”
He further stated, “There is someone who reported a total asset of 3.93 million won but spent nearly 230 million won as gambling money. This person is Lee Jae-myung’s eldest son, Lee Dong-ho,” and also urged for a tax investigation.
Park also urged for a tax investigation, emphasizing that regarding the 'North Korean remittance suspicion,' the $8 million remittance amount by Lee Hwa-young, former Deputy Governor of Gyeonggi Province, and the swapping of convertible bonds and luxury purchases by Bae Sang-yoon, chairman of KH Group, are particularly suspicious.
Nominee Lim reiterated in response to Park’s inquiry, “If there is suspicion of tax evasion, I will investigate anyone according to the law and principles.”
Park emphasized, “I will strictly maintain political neutrality. I understand that you promised to investigate if there are allegations of tax evasion, and if you become the tax commissioner and break that promise, I will not just sit idly by in the committee.”