Lee Kyung-min

US overtakes China in post-pandemic tourism spending in Korea

 

Concerns grow as low-credit borrowers turn to internet-only banks

The delinquency rates on loans granted by internet-only banks to low-credit, self-employed borrowers are climbing, a red flag for the IT-oriented lenders established to guarantee access to more affordable financing for customers with weak financial profiles, market watchers said Monday.

Financial groups rush to issue hybrid bonds to bolster equity capital

The country’s top four financial groups are rushing to issue hybrid bonds, or perpetual bonds, to bolster their financial profiles, market watchers said Monday.

Financial sector leaders attend global IT events to spur digitalization, innovation

5 financial groups' overseas real estate risk exposures exceed $14.9 bil.

Fears are mounting of enormous losses from the country’s top five financial groups’ total 20 trillion won ($14.9 billion) in investments related to overseas real estate markets, amplified by tanking U.S. commercial real estate (CRE) value and the follow-on effects on the global lenders, market watchers said Sunday.

BOK easing pushed back amid hotter-than-expected US inflation data

The timeline for the Bank of Korea's (BOK) monetary easing will be delayed, influenced chiefly by hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation data and resultant pared expectations of a May rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve, market watchers said Wednesday.

Will Bitcoin continue to soar?

Bitcoin surpassed a year-to-date high of 67 million won ($50,000), propelled by the New Year rally effect, market watchers said Tuesday. It is the first time in 26 months since the figure exceeded the $50,000 mark set back in December 2021.

'Investor-specific' sales practice under scrutiny amid HK-tied ELS losses

The financial authorities will look into whether sellers of troubled Hong Kong-tied financial derivatives fulfilled an obligation to recommend investments suitable for each retail investor based on the purpose of their investment, asset status and investment experience, according to market watchers, Tuesday.

Financial groups turn to celebrities to refine corporate image

Celebrities dominating the ad market is nothing new. However, only a select few have the opportunity to represent financial groups.

Daegu Bank's nationwide expansion plan to have limited impact on oligopoly

DGB Daegu Bank submitted an application seeking approval to convert into a commercial bank. Market observers say this is unlikely to alter the current oligopoly, controlled predominantly by five major commercial lenders. They are KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH NongHyup.