South Korea’s crypto gains tax may be delayed again. Traders still need a cost basis

South Korean officials are discussing another postponement of the crypto income tax scheduled for January 1. The presidential office has signalled support for moving the start to 2029, but the National Assembly has not passed that change. For a trader, the uncertainty reaches beyond the tax rate. The current law contains a special opening cost basis for coins held before the tax begins, and moving the start date would change the date used in that calculation. The law still schedules taxation of qualifying crypto transfers and lending from January 1, 2027, despite the latest proposal for 2029.