Gov't to reform tax agency tainted by bribery scandal

SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- The government is working on sweeping plans to reform the nation's tax agency to enhance its transparency and image severely tainted by the recent resignation of its chief on bribery allegations, officials said Saturday.

A presidential task force was established late last month to spearhead the reform
drive for the National Tax Service (NTS) "by the end of next month at the
earliest," said one official close to the matter.
The plan will focus mostly on slimming down the size of the organization and
setting up an independent watchdog agency to keep an eye on irregularities, the
officials said.
The move comes after the NTS commissioner, Han Sang-ryule, apparently under
pressure, offered to resign Thursday amid allegations that he used bribes to get
career favors.
Han is suspected of giving a high-priced painting to the wife of his predecessor
in early 2007 with the aim of receiving a promotion. He has denied the
allegation.
Han was appointed to the post in November 2007 under the then President Roh
Moo-hyun and retained the post after incumbent President Lee Myung-bak took
office early last year.
The tax chief was also reprimanded recently by the presidential office of Chong
Wa Dae for playing a round of golf with close associates of President Lee
Myung-bak's lawmaker brother, Lee Sang-duk, late last year.
The president is expected to accept Han's resignation at an early date and will
start the process of filling the post immediately, according to Chong Wa Dae
officials.
Han's resignation will likely deal a further blow to the tax agency's reputation
after his two immediate predecessors were arrested on bribery charges in recent
years.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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