New BOK chief extends rate freeze amid inflation pressures

South Korea's central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Thursday, signaling that a shift toward a tighter monetary policy stance could come soon.

The Bank of Korea decided to hold the benchmark rate steady at 2.5 percent, extending its rate freeze that has been in place since May 2025.

Prior to the pause, the central bank had been on an easing cycle.

Thursday's rate-setting meeting marked the first under new BOK Gov.

Shin Hyun-song, who took office in late April.

Inflationary pr ...