[Profile] Lim Gwanghyun, Renowned Tax Investigation Expert, Nominated as Commissioner of the National Tax Service

On June 26, Lim Gwanghyun, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, was nominated as the first Commissioner of the National Tax Service under the Lee Jaemyung administration. The appointment is seen as reflecting both his extensive experience at the National Tax Service and his recent activities as a member of the National Assembly's Strategy and Finance Committee.

Lim, who hails from Hongseong in South Chungcheong Province, graduated from Gangseo High School and Yonsei University with a degree in economics. He entered public service after passing the 38th Higher Civil Service Examination. Within the National Tax Service, he held key positions including Director of the Investigation Bureau, Director of Investigation Bureaus 1, 2, and 4 at the Seoul Regional Office, Director of Investigation Bureaus 1 and 4 at the Central Regional Office, Commissioner of the Seoul Regional National Tax Service, and Deputy Commissioner of the National Tax Service. He is particularly known as an expert in tax investigations, having overseen both the practical and strategic aspects of detailed tax audits targeting corporations and high-net-worth individuals.

He also gained broad experience in planning and policy roles, serving as an administrator in the Blue House Economic Secretary's Office and as Director of Planning and Budget at the National Tax Service. After completing the International Tax Program at Harvard Law School, he was also involved in international tax matters.

In the 2024 general election, Lim entered the 22nd National Assembly as a proportional representative of the Democratic Party, where he served on the Strategy and Finance Committee and the Steering Committee. He has also held positions such as Senior Vice Chair of the party's Policy Committee and Deputy Floor Leader.

Given his experience in both politics and tax administration, there are expectations that he will be able to stably support the Lee Jaemyung administration's tax reforms and policies aimed at improving tax fairness for high-income earners and large corporations.

A political insider commented, "He is a practical expert in tax investigations who also possesses political acumen," adding, "He is the right person to persuasively advance the government's tax administration policies while safeguarding the independence and expertise of the National Tax Service."

Kang Hunsik, Chief of Staff to the President, stated, "Lim is a tax administration expert who has served as Commissioner of the Seoul Regional National Tax Service and as Deputy Commissioner of the National Tax Service," and added, "Based on his broadened perspective from his work on the National Assembly's Strategy and Finance Committee, he will contribute to fair tax administration and taxpayer protection."

◆ Profile of Lim Gwanghyun, Nominee for Commissioner of the National Tax Service

▲ Born in 1969 in Hongseong, South Chungcheong Province ▲ Graduated from Gangseo High School and Yonsei University (Economics) ▲ Completed International Tax Program at Harvard Law School ▲ Passed the 38th Higher Civil Service Examination ▲ Served as Director of the Investigation Bureau at the National Tax Service, Commissioner of the Seoul Regional National Tax Service, and Deputy Commissioner of the National Tax Service ▲ 22nd National Assembly member (proportional representative, Democratic Party) ▲ Member of the National Assembly's Strategy and Finance Committee, Senior Vice Chair of the Policy Committee, Deputy Floor Leader