The nominee for deputy prime minister said he would "accept it if the National Assembly points something out" on the property tax overhaul, speaking ahead of his confirmation hearing.

The government had earlier finalised the tax bill and sent it to parliament. With objections raised on both the governing and opposition sides, the remark is read as leaving open the possibility of adjustment in deliberation.

The post oversees the budget, taxation and macroeconomic policy. In the current conjuncture, with inflation back in the 3 percent range and bond yields rising, judgements about the mix of fiscal and monetary policy are the pressing task.

The hearing is held by the Assembly's Strategy and Finance Committee. Because the president may appoint regardless of whether the committee adopts a report, the substantive issue is less the appointment than confirmation of policy direction.

The tax overhaul applies to Sinophone households too. Foreign residents who own housing in Korea are in principle taxed on the same basis as citizens, although treatment can differ with tax treaties and residency determinations.

It is therefore safer to check the final text after parliamentary deliberation than to make individual judgements now. Whether rates, deductions or the tax base are revised will change the real burden considerably.

The weight of the remark will be tested at the hearing. What is settled now is the submission of the government bill and the nominee's reference to possible acceptance; whether revisions follow depends on the parliamentary calendar.