{
  "id": 18272379,
  "title": "[COVER STORY] Why does Korea keep delaying its crypto tax?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/cover-story-why-does-korea-keep-delaying-its-crypto-tax-18272379",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-11-05T07:57:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/economy/cryptocurrency/20261105/cover-story-why-does-korea-keep-delaying-its-crypto-tax"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The South Korean government plans to delay cryptocurrency income taxation for another two years to 2029, Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il announced on Thursday, reigniting discussions about tax fairness and policy credibility after three prior postponements. Lee cited the need for additional time to gather data on overseas transactions and refine the rules. However, this reversal, mere weeks after the government pledged continued progress, has sparked criticism over policy predictability and potential political motivations. During a press conference, Lee stated the government would collaborate with the National Assembly to implement the postponement. The revelation followed a day when Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Kim Min-seok formally requested another delay. According to the pending legislation, income derived from transferring or lending digital assets would be categorized as miscellaneous income. Profits exceeding 2.5 million won ($1,900) would be subject to a 22% tax, encompassing both national and local income taxes. The tax would be calculated by subtracting acquisition costs and associated expenses from proceeds.",
  "summary": "The government will seek to postpone cryptocurrency income taxation by another two years to 2029, Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il said Thursday, renewing debate over tax fairness and policy credibility after three previous postponements. Lee said more time is needed to secure overseas transaction data and refine the rules. But the reversal, just a month after the government reiterated its…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Dev.to",
        "title": "North Korea is likely culprit behind $6.3bn crypto hack, ‘largest heist in history’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/north-korea-is-likely-culprit-behind-6-3bn-crypto-hack-largest-heist",
        "published": "2026-11-04T22:02:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Nikkei Asia",
        "title": "North Korea's patient cyber operations pay off in crypto",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/north-koreas-patient-cyber-operations-pay-off-in-crypto",
        "published": "2026-11-05T00:00:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Cointelegraph",
        "title": "South Korea seeks 4th crypto tax delay, targets 2029 start",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/south-korea-seeks-4th-crypto-tax-delay-targets-2029-start",
        "published": "2026-11-05T09:35:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}