[2026 National Assembly Audit] After Criticism Over "Delaying Virtual Asset Taxation"... Lee Eog-weon: "Various Circumstances Must Be Considered"

Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eog-weon said that “various circumstances must be fully considered” regarding the taxation of virtual assets, which is scheduled to take effect next year.

Lee Eokwon, chairman of the Financial Services Commission, answers lawmakers' questions during a parliamentary audit of the Financial Services Commission and other agencies at the National Assembly on Oct. 8, 2026. Photo by Yoon Dongju, staff photographer.

Lee made the remarks on Oct. 22 during a comprehensive audit of the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service by the National Assembly’s Political Affairs Committee, in response to People Power Party lawmaker Song Eon-seok, who asked for his views on delaying or scrapping the tax.

Song said, “The government said it would prepare the Digital Asset Basic Act within this year, but its proposal has yet to be released. The digital asset income tax will take effect next year. The plan is to impose the tax first, even though the nature of digital assets and the government’s policy approach have not yet been determined.” He added, “Comprehensive taxation of financial income has been postponed,” and “There is discontent over whether the income tax on digital assets alone should take effect immediately next year.”

Lee said, “The bill related to digital assets is in the final stages of discussions,” adding, “We will work to move it forward as quickly as possible so it can be discussed.”

Regarding virtual asset taxation, he said, “I believe the Ministry of Finance and Economy has addressed this. There are various views, and we are currently gathering opinions.”

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