Film director Bong Joon-ho and former Olympic figure skating champion Yuna Kim were among hundreds recognized as exemplary taxpayers at South Korea’s 60th annual Taxpayers Day ceremony, officials said March 3 local time.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the National Tax Service said 569 individuals were honored for exemplary tax payments and cooperation with tax administration.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said at a ceremony held at COEX Auditorium that exemplary taxpayers are “true patriots of our time” and pledged to expand preferential programs so they receive greater social recognition.
“We will not waste a single dollar of the precious taxes paid by the public,” Koo said. “We will uphold the pride that faithful tax payment is the highest form of patriotism.”
Nine individuals received national orders, including Ahn Jae-il, chief executive of Sung Kwang Bend, who was awarded the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit. Twelve others received government medals.
Presidential citations were awarded to 23 recipients, while 25 individuals—including Bong, head of film production company Offscreen—received Prime Minister’s commendations. Officials said Bong was recognized for elevating South Korea’s cultural standing and contributing to public finances through diligent tax payments.
Kim, widely known as the “Queen of Figure Skating,” and television personality Kim Sung-joo were among 500 recipients of ministerial commendations.
Actor Ko Chang-seok received a National Tax Service commissioner’s citation, and actress Oh Yeon-soo was honored with a regional tax office citation.
Those designated as exemplary taxpayers are eligible for benefits including deferrals of tax audits. Additional perks include discounts on rail fares and medical expenses, as well as preferential loan interest rates.
Five companies were also recognized for large tax contributions to state finances. Four firms—including NH Investment & Securities, Samsung Biologics, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance and Meritz Securities—received awards for paying more than $2.2 billion in national taxes. Lina Life Insurance was recognized for paying more than $1.5 billion.
National Tax Service Commissioner Lim Kwang-hyun attended the ceremony and expressed appreciation to the award recipients. Commemorative events were also held at 140 regional tax offices nationwide.
Marking its 60th anniversary, the National Tax Service unveiled a new slogan pledging to listen more closely to the public and expand communication with taxpayers.
