Bank of Korea
Coverage of Bank of Korea in the Nexus archive.
- Bank of Korea Scales Up CBDC Pilot With Half a Million Users
The Bank of Korea expanded its CBDC pilot program, Project Hangang, with Phase 1 opening 81,000 wallets where 42% used the CBDC. Phase 2 involves a larger scale and the use of real government money.
- South Korea eyes September launch for second phase of CBDC pilot: Report
South Korea plans to launch the second phase of its CBDC pilot in September, adding two regional banks, new payment features, and testing government subsidy payments using tokenized bank deposits.
- Slumping AI stocks overshadow gains for the rest of Wall Street, while oil prices drift
AI-related stocks like Nvidia, Micron, and Western Digital declined sharply, dragging down global markets despite gains from companies like Abbott and UnitedHealth Group. Oil prices rose near a one-month high amid concerns over Iran-related disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Slumping AI stocks overshadow gains for the rest of Wall Street, while oil prices drift
AI-related stocks like Nvidia, Micron, and Sandisk declined, dragging down global markets despite gains from other companies like Abbott and UnitedHealth Group. The S&P 500 fell 0.2% while the Dow rose 0.2%, and South Korea's Kospi index dropped 6.4% due to AI stock slumps and a Bank of Korea rate hike. Oil prices near a one-month high due to concerns over Iranian tensions disrupting the Strait of Hormuz.
- AI stocks slump again, while oil prices keep rising
AI stocks like Micron Technology, Sandisk, and Nvidia are declining due to concerns about unsustainable demand, while oil prices rise amid the U.S.-Iran conflict. Global markets, including the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and South Korea's Kospi index, are experiencing losses.
- World markets, Wall Street mostly in decline on latest round tech stock selling
World markets and Wall Street declined as tech stocks fell amid investor concerns over overvaluation and AI demand sustainability. Oil prices remained elevated despite U.S.-Iran military strikes, while regional indices in Europe and Asia, including South Korea's Kospi and Japan's Nikkei, dropped significantly due to tech sector sell-offs and interest rate hikes.
- World shares mostly decline with South Korea’s Kospi down 6.4%, while oil prices slip
World shares declined with South Korea’s Kospi dropping 6.4% due to an interest rate hike and AI-related selling, while oil prices fell slightly amid U.S.-Iran tensions. TSMC announced a $100 billion U.S. investment and record earnings, boosting its shares, and Alibaba gained after Apple Intelligence received regulatory approval in China.
- Bank of Korea picks a fight with US Fed’s AI inflation call
Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song raised the policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.75%, ending a three-and-a-half-year rate freeze. The move signals a direct challenge to the Federal Reserve’s recent AI-driven inflation assessment.
- Asian shares mostly decline with South Korea's Kospi down 6.6%, while oil prices slip
Asian shares declined, with South Korea's Kospi falling 6.6% due to a Bank of Korea rate hike and AI-related stock selling. Oil prices dipped amid U.S.-Iran tensions, while U.S. futures rose and Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 1.7%. Key tech companies like SK Hynix and Kioxia saw significant losses.
- Asian shares mostly decline with South Korea's Kospi down 6.6%, while oil prices slip
Asian shares mostly declined, with South Korea's Kospi dropping 6.6% due to an interest rate hike and AI-related stock selling. Oil prices slipped amid U.S.-Iran tensions, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose. U.S. futures increased as inflation data and strong earnings supported Wall Street.
- South Korea’s central bank hikes rate for 1st time since 2023 to curb inflation, debt
South Korea’s central bank raised its key interest rate from 2.5% to 2.75% for the first time since January 2023 to address inflation driven by the Middle East conflict and energy costs, as well as high household debt. The decision followed stronger-than-expected economic growth fueled by semiconductor exports linked to global AI demand, prompting the government to revise its 2026 growth forecast upward to 3%.
- Bank of Korea raises rates to 2.75% in first hike in over three years
The Bank of Korea increased its interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.75% in the first rate hike in over three years, aligning with economists' expectations as per a Reuters survey.
- South Korea stocks slump after first rate rise in 3 years
South Korea stocks declined following the Bank of Korea's first rate increase in three years under Shin Hyun-song. The move addresses concerns about the weakening won and the country's dependence on energy imports.
- South Korea to test tokenized government bonds with CBDC in 2027
South Korea will test tokenized government bonds linked to the Bank of Korea’s wholesale CBDC system in 2027 as token securities rules take effect.
- Bank of Korea stands firm on bank-led stablecoin push as deposit token pilots advance
The Bank of Korea reiterated its support for bank-led won stablecoin issuance and is advancing deposit token pilots. However, progress is hindered by unresolved issuer rules in South Korea’s digital asset bill.
- Bank of Korea Sees Need to Hike Rate on Higher Inflation, Growth
The Bank of Korea is considering raising interest rates due to higher inflation and economic growth. The decision is based on current economic indicators.
- BOK Warns of Risks From Single-Stock Leveraged ETFs: Yonhap
The Bank of Korea (BOK) has issued a warning about risks associated with single-stock leveraged ETFs. South Korea may introduce 10 trillion won ($6.8 billion) in new fiscal stimulus by March to address uneven economic growth, with potential support for sectors like culture and the arts, according to a Citigroup report.
- Bank of Korea advances CBDC deposit token initiative to test real-world usage: report
South Korea's CBDC pilot project is entering its second phase, where deposit tokens will be integrated into existing banking systems. The Bank of Korea is advancing its CBDC deposit token initiative to test real-world usage.
- Massive bonuses for South Korea's chip workers puts central bank on inflation alert
South Korea's chip workers received large bonuses, leading the Bank of Korea to issue an inflation alert. The central bank warned that the bonuses could increase upward pressure on inflation.
- Bank of Korea’s Minutes Show Wider Support for Hawkish Shift
The Bank of Korea's minutes indicate growing support for a hawkish policy shift. Governor Shin Hyun Song is mentioned in the context of these discussions.
- EM Long Bonds Seen Missing Out on Any Iran Peace Dividend
South Korea's GDP grew by 1.3% in the first quarter of 2024, exceeding economists' expectations of a 0.6% expansion, according to the Bank of Korea. The data was reported following a Bank of Korea announcement on April 25, 2024.
- South Korea Unveils Measures to Stem Won Slide, Curb Speculation
South Korea plans to implement measures to address the won's decline and curb speculation, including a potential 10 trillion won fiscal stimulus in March to support sectors like culture and the arts, according to a Citigroup report.
- ‘Transitory euphoria’: South Korea’s strong economic outlook masks key hurdles
South Korea’s economy is growing stronger than expected in 2023 with a revised growth outlook of 2.6%, driven by robust semiconductor exports and government spending. However, analysts highlight risks including rising inflation, a weakening won, and uneven sectoral performance.
- BOK's New Governor Delivers Hawkish Hold | The Asia Trade 5/28/2026
The Bank of Korea's new governor maintained a hawkish monetary policy stance, signaling no immediate changes to interest rates. The decision was reported by The Asia Trade on May 28, 2026.
- Korea Short-Term Debt Pricing Too Many BOK Hikes, NH Amundi Says
NH Amundi analysts state that pricing in South Korea's short-term debt market suggests investors expect multiple upcoming interest rate hikes by the Bank of Korea (BOK). The analysis highlights market anticipation of aggressive monetary policy tightening.
- Bank of Korea’s New Board Member Flags Inflation, Housing Risks
The Bank of Korea has a new board member who is flagging inflation and housing risks. The bank is located in Seoul. This indicates potential economic concerns in South Korea.
- Korea Benchmark Bond Yield Tops 4% as Rate-Hike Bets Grow
Korea's benchmark bond yield has surpassed 4% as investors increasingly bet on rate hikes. This increase in yield is a significant development in Korea's financial market. The growing expectations of rate hikes are driving the bond yield higher.
- Top Bank of Korea Official Says It’s Time to Consider Rate Hike
The Bank of Korea may consider a rate hike, and South Korea is likely to introduce around 10 trillion won in fresh fiscal stimulus as early as March to address uneven economic growth. The stimulus will support sectors including culture and the arts. This decision is expected to impact the economy.
- Bank of Korea's New Governor Prioritizes CBDCs Over Stablecoins in First Policy Address
Bank of Korea's new governor emphasized central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) as a priority in their first policy address, while legislative debates over private stablecoin frameworks continue. The central bank chief outlined digital finance strategies amid ongoing discussions on regulating stablecoins.
- Bank of Korea’s new governor signals CBDC and bank token push, skips stablecoins in key address
Bank of Korea's new governor announced a focus on central bank digital currency (CBDC) and bank token initiatives, while omitting stablecoins in a key address. The move signals a strategic shift toward digital financial infrastructure.
- Bank of Korea governor backs CBDCs, deposit tokens in first address
Bank of Korea governor Shin Hyun-song expressed support for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and deposit tokens in his inaugural address. Stablecoins were not mentioned in his remarks.
- Bank of Korea’s new chief vows to push CBDC, deposit tokens; leaves out stablecoins
Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song has pledged to advance central bank digital currency (CBDC) and deposit tokens, but has excluded stablecoins from his agenda. During his previous role at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), he held a negative stance on stablecoins.