South Korea defends 22% crypto tax as fair amid calls to delay rollout
Crypto South Korea defends 22% crypto tax as fair amid calls to delay rollout South Koreas finance authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to launching a 22% tax on virtual asset gains in 2027, rejecting growing criticism from academics and industry participants who argue that the policy is inconsistent and unfair compared with the treatment of stock investors. The proposed crypto tax system has become a focal point of debate over fairness, classification, and system readiness. Under the proposal set to begin in January 2027, crypto profits will be taxed at 22% after a 2.5 million won annual exemption, with the rate composed of a 20% national tax and a 2% local tax. The policy comes at the same time that the government abolished the Financial Investment Income Tax on stock investors, prompting criticism that crypto investors are being disproportionately burdened and calls for rollout delay. At an emergency policy forum on virtual asset taxes on May 7, Moon Kyung-ho, head of the Income Tax Division at the Ministry of Economy and Finance maintained that the system is grounded in the principle that all income should be taxed where it arises and that there is no justification for delaying implementation, according to local media. Officials also firmly dismiss