
Bank of Korea Senior Deputy Governor Signals Potential Rate Hike on Strong Growth
Ryoo Sang-dai, senior deputy governor of the Bank of Korea, has signaled the possibility of a rate hike, citing better-than-expected economic growth of 1.7 percent in Q1 — the fastest quarterly expansion in 5 1/2 years — driven by strong semiconductor exports. This marks the first time a BOK monetary policy board member has indicated a shift away from rate cuts, with inflation potentially exceeding 2.2 percent. The central bank will hold its next policy meeting on May 28, chaired by new Gov. Shin Hyun-song.
