SEOUL, Dec. 20 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea’s potential growth rate is projected to fall below 2% next year, signaling challenges for the nation’s long-term economic sustainability, according to a report released by the Bank of Korea (BOK) on December 19. Without structural reforms in labor markets, birthrate improvement, and increased workforce participation by women and [...]
SEOUL, Dec. 17 (Korea Bizwire) – The number of properties auctioned off due to loan defaults in South Korea is on track to hit its highest level in 11 years, reflecting the combined impact of soaring interest rates and a sluggish real estate market. Sharp Rise in Property Auctions Data from the Court Registration Information Plaza [...]
SEOUL, Dec. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok reiterated Monday that uncertainties from the recent martial law debacle have eased following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, emphasizing the country’s robust economic system. Choi made the remarks during the opening session of a regional economic forum in Seoul attended by domestic and [...]
SEOUL, Dec. 9 (Korea Bizwire) — The government is ready to deploy immediate market stabilization measures, including the injection of “value-up funds” into the country’s stock market, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok said Monday. Choi made the statement during an emergency meeting with top economic and financial officials, as South Korea grapples with the fallout from President Yoon [...]
SEOUL, Dec. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – Following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s shock declaration of martial law on December 3, foreign investors have initiated a significant withdrawal from South Korean financial institutions, marking a notable shift in international investment patterns in the country’s markets. The exodus appears driven by concerns that the financial sector could be particularly [...]
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea is witnessing a steady shift toward transparent corporate governance as more conglomerates adopt holding company structures. However, concerns are mounting over indirect investments via overseas subsidiaries, potentially enabling unfair internal transactions and abuse of authority. According to the Fair-Trade Commission (FTC), 43 of the country’s 88 conglomerates [...]
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Korea Bizwire) — Stock markets will open as usual Wednesday, the finance ministry said, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unexpected declaration of emergency martial law overnight, which was subsequently lifted. The decision was made during an emergency meeting held earlier in the day between Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and top economic and [...]
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Korea Bizwire) — The country’s top financial regulator said Wednesday that the authorities are ready to mobilize a 10 trillion-won (US$7 billion) stock market stabilization fund to reduce any market volatility in the midst of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise decision to impose martial law, which was later lifted. “We are ready [...]
SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Korea Bizwire) – Samsung Electronics is facing declining representation in South Korea’s Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) market, reflecting growing concerns about its position in the semiconductor industry, particularly regarding its competitive stance in High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and artificial intelligence (AI) chip supply chains. According to financial data provider Yonhap Infomax, as of November [...]
SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Korea Bizwire) – Two decades after their introduction to South Korea, Private Equity Funds (PEFs) have transformed from behind-the-scenes investors into influential powerbrokers wielding control over industries ranging from heavy manufacturing to fast-food chains. These once-reclusive investors, who previously surfaced only for occasional mega-mergers, now command a significant presence across South Korea’s business landscape, [...]