Novelist Kim Jin-myeong, known for writing "Mugunghwa Blooms" and "Goguryeo," admitted to delinquent tax payments amounting to approximately 2.9 billion won.
Kim Jin-myeong's side acknowledged the delinquent tax issue in a written statement to Chosun Biz on the 18th, noting, "We plan to secure funds and make the payment as soon as possible."
Kim said, "Last year, I also paid taxes amounting to 940 million won," and added, "The delinquency was not intentional."
Additionally, Kim explained, "The current publishing recession is severe enough that royalties are not being generated," and noted, "Recently, I attempted to quickly secure funds, but due to political and economic circumstances akin to natural disasters, procuring funds has been extremely difficult, resulting in the inability to make timely payments."
Previously, the National Tax Service released a list and personal details of 9,666 habitual tax delinquents who owe more than 200 million won for over a year on their website. The list includes Kim Jin-myeong, broadcaster Lee Hyuk-jae (arrears of 223 million won), and renowned chef Edward Kwon (Korean name Kwon Young-min, arrears of 343 million won).
Kim Jin-myeong's arrears amounted to 2.891 billion won.
Below is the full written statement from Kim Jin-myeong
"The delinquent tax issue is true.
It was not an intentional delinquency. Last year, I also paid 940 million won in taxes.
Currently, the publishing recession is so severe that no royalties are being generated.
Recently, I tried to secure funds urgently, but due to political and economic situations akin to natural disasters, securing funds has been exceedingly difficult, and I could not make timely payments.
However, we plan to secure funds and make the payment at the earliest possible time."