BOK Chief’s Final Call: Hike or Freeze?

By Lee Hyo-sik

Staff Reporter

Bank of Korea (BOK) Governor Lee Seong-tae may feel uneasy about the upcoming monetary policy committee meeting on Thursday as it will be his last chance, as the top central banker, to end the bank's credit-easing campaign and shift the course of monetary policy.

Given his character as an inflation fighter, he may think of steering monetary policy toward credit-tightening before he leaves office. However, strong pressure from the government is likely to subdue his urge, tipping the balance of strategy against the rate hike.