It later came to light that a teacher who bought an apartment and ran a free dormitory for college juniors from disadvantaged families was hit with more than 10 million won in taxes.
According to tax authorities on the 9th, the Yeonsu Tax Office in September last year imposed 12.5 million won in comprehensive real estate tax on Kim Chang-wan, 61, vice principal of Inha University College of Education Affiliated Middle School, for 2021–2022.
Kim, a graduate of Inha University, became subject to taxation after buying two apartments in Michuhol District in 2018 and 2020, respectively, and running them as free dormitories for college juniors from outside the region with financial difficulties.
It was found that those owning multiple dwellings who held dwellings with a tax base of 600 million won or more during the period fell under the scope of the comprehensive real estate tax.
Six to ten Inha University students who applied via social networking services (SNS), among other channels, had been living rent-free in the two apartments owned by Kim. Kim also provided rice to the students, and an acquaintance of Kim was said to have supported them with 50,000–100,000 won per month for living expenses.
Tax authorities who heard Kim's circumstances reviewed a reduction of the comprehensive real estate tax but reportedly did not decide on a reduction due to concerns about fairness.
Kim asked Michuhol District to exempt the property tax that forms the basis for the comprehensive real estate tax, but the request was not accepted.
Kim said, "I missed that the tax base criteria changed in 2021–2022, so I became subject to taxation," and added, "In the end, I tapped a negative bank account and, including a 500,000 won additional tax, paid 13 million won in comprehensive real estate tax."
Kim added, "As the houses have gradually aged, there are not many applicants now, so I am at a crossroads over whether to keep this going," noting, "I also need to redo the wallpaper and flooring, so I have many concerns."