Ahn Duk-su, head of South Korea's National Tax Service (Cheong Wa Dae)
Ahn Duk-su, head of South Korea's National Tax Service (Cheong Wa Dae)

Ahn Duk-su, tapped to lead South Korea's National Tax Service (NTS) on Friday, is widely regarded as a veteran tax investigator with extensive experience in tax administration and protecting taxpayers' rights.

Ahn, 55, began his career in public service after passing the national civil service examination in 1996 and has since built a decadeslong career in tax administration, according to the presidential office.

He has headed the NTS' Seoul Regional Office since July. Until June 2021, he oversaw tax investigations into companies suspected of tax evasion for several years.

During his tenure as head of the NTS' Investigation Bureau, Ahn was recognized for cracking down on tax evasions that involved stock market manipulation and other unfair trading practices that hurt retail investors.

He also ordered intensive tax probes into practices involving tax evasion that harmed ordinary citizens, as well as real estate-related tax dodging.

Known for his gentle demeanor but firm principles, Ahn hails from the southeastern port city of Busan and studied economics at Korea University. (Yonhap)