Press Releases - Financial Services Commission

Press Releases

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Jul 21, 2020

Vice Chairman Highlights Role of Finance in Government's New Deal Initiative

Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo presided over the 13th financial risk assessment meeting on July 21 to review market conditions and monitor the progress in implementing the COVID-19 financial support.The following is a summary of Vice Chairman Sohn’s remarks.(NEW DEAL INITIATIVE) The government’s new deal initiative aims to turn the pandemic-induced crisis into an opportunity in order to facilitate the country’s leap forward and reshape the future of Korea’s economy. By investing about KRW160 trillion, the government plans to create 1.9 million new jobs. To maximize the impact of the government’s new deal policy, it is necessary to mobilize other types of financial resources alongside the government’s budget. In this regard, the FSC will actively support new investment projects and encourage private sector investment in new growth areas to help channel more funding sources into the new deal projects.(CAPITAL MARKETS) The pace of the recovery in domestic stock markets has been faster compared to the past crisis situations. A major difference with the COVID-19-induced crisis has been a rise in the number of retail investors in domestic stock markets. This has helped the stock markets to quickly bounce back in difficult times. As there are still risks related to uncertainties about a second wave and concerns over a delayed recovery, the government will work to create a safe and stable investment and asset management environment for retail investors while preparing for market volatility. In addition, the government will continue to implement various market stabilization measures and business support programs.To help strengthen foundations of capital markets and promote stock market activities, the government will a) improve the listing requirements to enable more innovative firms to be listed on stock markets based on their future growth potential while working to improve the listing and takeover rules to ensure high standards of professionality and accountabili
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Jul 21, 2020

FSC Chairman Holds Talks with Officials from Financial Companies, Big Techs and Fintechs

FSC Chairman Eun Sung-soo met with officials from financial institutions, big techs and fintechs as well as academia on July 21, and held talks on ways to promote the advancement of Korea’s financial industry.The following is a summary of Chairman Eun’s remarks.The digital transformation taking place in the financial companies, big techs entering the financial services industry and the growth of fintechs are all expected to bring about change and innovation in our financial industry. As such, the traditional financial companies, big techs and fintechs should build mutual understanding and cooperative relations with each other.Big tech companies should always adhere to the principle of fair competition while respecting the regulations and the system built upon the existing framework of financial laws. Both big techs and fintechs should work to ensure financial data security and consumer protection while working to prevent conflict of interests with their nonfinancial service functions.The traditional financial companies should focus on improving consumer convenience and developing innovative ways to provide financial services. The government will support their efforts for innovation. On the issues concerning fair competition or regulatory arbitrage, the government is always willing to listen to constructive opinions and suggestions for solution.To level the playing field in the financial industry, the government will build foundations for fair competition by implementing fair and reasonable regulations, such as the financial regulatory sandbox program, while working for a balanced development between financial innovation, consumer protection, financial information security and data protection.The FSC will set up a joint public-private consultative body composed of officials and experts from the government, financial institutions, fintechs and big techs in the third quarter this year. The joint consultative body will discuss diverse issues including regulatory ref
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Jul 20, 2020

FSC Announces Revisions to P2P Lending Guidelines

The FSC announced changes to the peer-to-peer lending guidelines on July 20 to ensure that investor protection measures are put in place during the one-year deferred registration period until August 26, 2021.The Online Investment-linked Finance Act scheduled to take effect on August 27, 2020 grants the business entities already engaged in P2P lending services a one-year deferral of P2P business registration to facilitate a seamless transition and prevent any disruption in their business operation during the registration review process. There have been concerns about the possibility of regulatory arbitrage by unregistered P2P lending service providers and of subsequent damage to investors. As such, the revised guidelines will include various investor protection measures prescribed in the Online Investment-linked Finance Act to be applicable to the unregistered P2P lending service providers. KEY CHANGES IN GUIDELINESI. STRENGTHEN DISCLOSURE RULESa) Require P2P lending platforms to disclose information about financial management status and liquidation processb) Require P2P lending firms to provide investment information by different product typesII. PROHIBIT UNFAIR SALES ACTIVITIESa) Require firms to match the maturity date, interest rate and total amount of investment to those of loan products to prevent loan scamsb) Prohibit discriminatory behavior in favor of or against certain investorsc) Prohibit offering or accepting excessive rewards to and from investorsd) Prohibit loss coverage for investorsIII. RESTRICT SALES OF HIGH-RISK INVESTMENT PRODUCTSa) Restrict sales of high-risk P2P loans or investment products, such as collateralized debt obligationsb) Restrict P2P lending to private loan service providers or special purpose vehiclesIV. TIGHTEN ADVERTISING RULESa) Apply more stringent rules on P2P loan advertisement materials placed on platforms other than its ownb) Prohibit advertising on other platforms to recruit investorsV. IMPROVE REQUIREMENTS FOR INVESTMENT MA
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Jul 17, 2020

SPV to Start Purchasing Corporate Bonds and CP

The government announced the official launching of the special purpose vehicle intended to support businesses facing liquidity problems by purchasing corporate bonds and CP on July 17.BACKGROUNDThe government, the Bank of Korea and the Korea Development Bank unveiled a joint plan for creating an SPV on May 20. Since then, the relevant institutions have worked toward the official launching of the SPV on July 14. In the meantime, the passage of the 3rd supplementary budget at the National Assembly enabled capital injection of KRW1 trillion to KDB. Between May 20 and July 13, the KDB purchased KRW300 billion worth of low-rated corporate bonds to help stabilize markets before the launching of the SPV. In addition, the Bank of Korea announced its decision to lend KRW8 trillion to the SPV on July 17.KEY DETAILS(SIZE) Up to KRW10 trillion made up of KRW1 trillion (10%) in equity capital from KDB, KRW1 trillion (10%) in subordinated loans from KDB and KRW8 trillion (80%) in primary loans from BOK, with the possibility of expanding the size up to KRW20 trillion(PERIOD) SPV’s bond purchasing program will be operated on a temporary basis for six months from July 14, 2020 until January 13, 2021, with the possibility of extension afterwards.(TARGETS) Investment grade corporate bonds and CP issued by nonfinancial companies with priorities given to low-rated companies (A~BBB ratings) and ‘fallen angels,’ BB-rated bonds downgraded from investment grades due to COVID-19-related factorsThe SPV is expected to help alleviate liquidity problems for many low-rated companies.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 16, 2020

FSC to Work on Enhancing Transparency in Financial Regulatory Environment

FSC Chairman Eun Sung-soo presided over the 43rd financial hubs establishment committee meeting on July 16, and discussed ways to reassess the government’s financial hub policy following recent changes in market environments at home and abroad.The following is a summary of Chairman Eun’s remarks.The competition over the status of regional financial center in Asia has been accelerating. The Korean government has been pursuing its financial hub policy since it first unveiled the strategy in 2003 to turn Korea into a financial hub in Northeast Asia. However, due to increasing uncertainties in the global financial markets, financial companies have been reducing the number of overseas branches, and it has become more difficult to attract foreign based financial companies in Korea.Despite difficulties, it is important to regroup strategies based on the strength of our financial industry and renew our efforts. In this regard, the rising demand for asset management and growth in foreign investment continue to accelerate the globalization of the asset management industry. In addition, the rising demand for development finance in neighboring countries provides new opportunities for Korea through the government’s new northern and southern economic cooperation initiatives.Compared to other major financial centers in Asia, high corporate and income tax rates, lack of flexibility in labor markets and that of transparency in financial regulations have been pointed out as obstacles for Korea in becoming a major financial center in the region. From the perspective of macroeconomic management, the government’s capacity to change its tax or employment rules just for the purpose of advancing its financial hub policy will be limited. In the meantime, the government will work to enhance transparency in our regulatory environment and find innovative ways to improve competitiveness of our financial industry.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 16, 2020

FSC Announces Plans to Launch Task Forces as Part of Efforts to Root Out Vishing Scams

The FSC announced regulatory changes to minimize inconvenience for consumers and improve efficiency in damage prevention and remedy provision, while introducing plans to create task forces as part of the government-wide efforts to root out vishing scams on July 16.TASK FORCESa) TF on legal regulatory system: Work on fair and balanced ways to improve rules on liability for damagesb) TF on fraud detection system: Strengthen the monitoring of vishing scams and other types of suspicious financial transactions by requiring financial companies to adopt fraud detection system (FDS)c) TF on public service advertisement: Bolster efforts to increase public awareness on vishing threats by making available more public service advertisements through diverse channelsd) TF on insurance: Improve vishing insurance system, including coverage and premium, and expand sales channelsSCHEDULEThe FSC will operate task forces until the end of this year to improve and strengthen the nationwide vishing scam prevention efforts.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 16, 2020

FSC Launches Working Group to Draw Up Plans for Promoting AI in Financial Services

The FSC held a kick-off meeting of the working group on the promotion of artificial intelligence technology in financial services on July 16. The meeting discussed major trends and policies surrounding AI application in financial services as well as the plans for the working group.BACKGROUNDWith the pandemic-driven acceleration in digital transformation, AI technology in financial sectors has become more relevant. AI technology allows more efficient data management and has high potential to create jobs and value-added services. Promoting AI technology and big data is a significant policy task of the government’s ‘New Deal’ project. In financial sectors, the use of big data is already widespread for a variety of services including credit scoring, loan application, insurance and asset management. AI technology can help improve the effectiveness, inclusiveness and accountability while lowering costs in providing financial services.WORKING GROUPThe working group is made up of officials and experts from both the public and private sectors including AI specializing firms, fintechs, financial companies, other relevant institutions and academia. The working group will be organized into four key functional subgroups as shown below.a) Legal regulatory group: Draw up guidelines to promote application of AI in financial services as well as ethics guidelines on AI-based financial servicesb) Infrastructure group: Develop AI data library and AI testbed to support RDc) Consumer protection group: Draw up standards for consumer protection and remediesd) Regtech suptech group: Review ways to apply AI in regtech and suptech to boost effectiveness in regulatory compliance and financial supervisionSCHEDULEThe working group aims to unveil its plans for AI promotion by the end of this year.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 15, 2020

Corporate Asset Purchase Program to Begin Accepting Applications

The FSC announced that the corporate asset sell-off support program will begin to accept applications beginning on July 17. Online application will be available at www.oncorp.or.kr.Since the government first announced its plans to launch the corporate asset purchase program on June 11, the FSC and the Korea Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO) have taken necessary steps to promptly launch the program.The following factors will be considered in the selection process—urgency, efficacy, fairness and impact on the real economy.Given the demand and the need to facilitate corporate asset sell-offs, the application review process will be carried out swiftly.KAMCO’s review committee will make final decisions about the appropriate price to offer based on the appraised value suggested by an external institution.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 15, 2020

Extension of Reporting Deadline Available for Companies Affected by COVID-19

The Securities and Futures Commission decided on July 15 to lift administrative sanctions and grant a 30-day extension of deadline for companies that are unable to meet the quarterly or semi-annual reporting deadline of August 14 due to pandemic-related disruption in their business operation. As such, the Korea Exchange will also put off placing them on the watch list for supervision during the 30-day extension period.To be exempted from sanctions and receive a 30-day extension, companies or their auditors should submit applications to the Financial Supervisory Service between July 20 and 24.- Companies with branches or business operations in countries where economic activities are disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic-related conditions that have difficulties in filing their quarterly or semi-annual financial reports on time- Auditors facing obstacles in filing audit reports as scheduled due to COVID-19-related reasonsThe FSS will review applications submitted by companies and auditors, and the SFC will decide on the final results during its regular meeting scheduled for August 5. For companies that receive exemptions, quarterly or semi-annual reporting deadline will be extended until September 14.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 14, 2020

Government to Introduce Personal Credit Rating System Using NPS Contributions Data

The FSC and the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on July 14 that an improvement to the personal credit rating scheme using information about individuals’ national pension contribution payments will be made available in October this year.The government has worked on improving the personal credit rating system using nonfinancial data, such as information about individuals’ contributions toward national pension and health insurance, along with the National Pension Service (NPS) and Korea Credit Bureau (KCB).In December 2019, the FSC designated Korea Credit Bureau’s data analysis service using homomorphic encryption technology as an ‘innovative financial service’ to be included in the regulatory sandbox program, which allowed data convergence between KCB’s credit data and NPS’ contributions data while paving the way for developing an improved credit rating model.Taking into account research findings that show a positive correlation between diligent contribution payments to national pension and low probability of loan defaults, the improved personal credit rating system will offer additional points to personal credit scores for the period of diligent contribution payments.As the improved credit rating system will go into effect in October this year, national pension subscribers are eligible to receive maximum 41 additional points for their credit scores. Up to 550,000 KCB-registered national pension subscribers are expected to see their credit scores go up. In particular, recent graduates and young adults who have thin credit records will benefit from this system.It also marks the first time application of homomorphic encryption technology in the world.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 14, 2020

Vice Chairman Discusses Importance of Preparing for Post-pandemic Era

Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo presided over the 12th financial risk assessment meeting on July 14 to discuss the financial market conditions and monitor the progress in implementing the COVID-19 financial support.The following is a summary of Vice Chairman Sohn’s remarks.(ECONOMIC RECOVERY) Recent forecasts suggest that the global economy is expected to rebound after 2021 although the speed and shape of the recovery may be different from country to country as there are looming uncertainties.The economic indicators in Korea began to show signs of improvement backed by the government’s comprehensive K-quarantine response system and measures to support the real economy. Domestic demand improved for two straight months as consumption and business sentiment increased. Credit card transactions also rose compared to a year ago, while exports fell at a slower rate in June.In order to build upon these positive results and continue the recovery momentum, the government will work to ensure that the COVID-19 relief and support programs are implemented effectively.(PREPARATION FOR POST-PANDEMIC ERA) The qualitative changes to our lifestyle and the economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are here to stay. In this regard, agile responses to changes are required in the post-pandemic era.The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation and the move toward “untact” or contactless economic activities. As the pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the global value chain, new growth industries have emerged and more businesses are reshoring. To prepare for an “untact” economic environment, the government has been promoting innovation and easing regulations through the financial regulatory sandbox program, open banking system and revisions to the three key data-related laws. To help businesses improve their competitiveness, the FSC along with relevant ministries and policy banks will provide consulting to those who consider switching business types or restructuring.The shift to
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Jul 13, 2020

Preliminary Application Opens for MyData Businesses

The FSC announced the opening of the preliminary application process for MyData businesses from July 13 until August 4.Prospective MyData service providers in the financial sectors should obtain license from the FSC. The preliminary application process is to ensure that prospective applicants meet the requirements and that the licensing process goes smoothly.The licensing process will generally take three months and in sequence. The FSC will begin to review up to twenty applications at once starting from August. Priorities will be given to the businesses that had already begun providing MyData services prior to the government’s announcement of plans for MyData businesses on May 13, 2020. To ensure fair and objective review process, the review committee will be made up of outside experts from diverse sectors, such as management, IT security, consumer protection, etc.The licensing process will begin in August.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 09, 2020

FSC Chairman Speaks about Promoting Artificial Intelligence in Financial Industry

FSC Chairman Eun Sung-soo visited the Korea Insurance Development Institute’s automobile technology research center in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do on July 9 to see the application of artificial intelligence in auto insurance, and held talks on the topic of the insurance industry in the 4th industrial revolution and post-pandemic era.The following is a summary of Chairman Eun’s remarks.With the 4th industrial revolution, technological innovation is rapidly taking place throughout the world. The financial industry is also experiencing changes in its structure and terrain. In a post-pandemic era, this changing trend, such as digitalization of the economy and development of untact services, is expected to accelerate even further.The insurance industry has diverse channels through which it provides services to consumers, and is closely connected to different industries, which is why it has a high potential for convergence with innovative technologies. In this regard, the AI-based auto damage appraisal service is an excellent example of technological convergence in the insurance industry.The FSC will set up a working group to draw up plans to promote AI in the financial sectors, which will focus on improving regulations, building infrastructure and ensuring consumer protection.In order to ensure a continuous growth of the insurance industry, different attempts and tryouts for innovation and adapting to changes should be highly encouraged.The FSC will strongly support the insurance industry’s efforts at innovation through its regulatory sandbox program and continuous efforts to improve regulations.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 09, 2020

Household Loans, June 2020

The outstanding balance of household loans in all financial sectors rose KRW8.5 trillion from the previous month in June 2020 (up 5.4% year-on-year).By type, mortgage loans increased KRW5.1 trillion in June (up KRW2.4 trillion year-on-year). Regular mortgage loans, jeonse loans and group lending expanded KRW5.0 trillion in the banking sector, while non-banks saw an increase of KRW20 billion. Other types of loans showed an increase of KRW3.5 trillion (up KRW1.1 trillion year-on-year) as the demand for credit loans went up.The government will closely monitor rising demand for credit loans while continuing to work on the stable management of household debt.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 07, 2020

Government to Provide Consulting and Financial Support to Businesses in Restructuring

Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo presided over the 11th financial risk assessment meeting on July 7 to discuss the financial market conditions and monitor the progress in implementing the COVID-19 financial support.The following is a summary of Vice Chairman Sohn’s remarks.(COVID-19 FINANCIAL SUPPORT) With the 3rd supplementary budget passed at the National Assembly last week, about KRW4.7 trillion in additional funds has become available for policy banks, alleviating concerns about their financial soundness. The government will work to swiftly implement the new support programs as follow.(a) Support for suppliers and subcontractors in major industries: Based on the agreement between the automakers and policy banks, loans for auto parts suppliers have become available. A special guarantee program will also become operational this week with KRW10 billion from the supplementary budget. The government is working on final details to promptly begin providing support to the suppliers and subcontractors in key industries through the working capital support program. (b) Support for low-rated companies and corporate asset sell-offs: With the passage of the supplementary budget at the National Assembly, KRW1 trillion in capital injection has become available for the launching of a special purpose vehicle aimed at purchasing low-rated corporate bonds and CP. The government will closely work with other institutions to launch the SPV in July. The program to support corporate asset sell-offs has begun a preliminary demand survey and the application process will begin in mid-July for a fast-track review of applications.(c) Market stabilization measures: The bond market stabilization fund and the key industry stabilization fund have been functioning as backstops to the financial markets. Corporate bond issuance in May-June recovered to a pre-pandemic level. With interest rates and spreads showing signs of stability, financing conditions appear to have improved in the bond market. The
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Jul 07, 2020

FSC Chairman Underscores Balance between Financial Innovation and Data Security

FSC Chairman Eun Sung-soo attended a seminar held by the Financial Security Institute commemorating the day of information protection on July 7 and delivered a keynote address underscoring the importance of maintaining a balance between financial innovation and data security.The following is a summary of Chairman Eun’s remarks.(DIGITAL FINANCE) The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend for contact-less financial services and digital transformation amid the 4th industrial revolution. Consumer preference for online transactions, such as mobile-based simple money transfer or payment methods, has increased as well as the frequency of telecommuting and teleconferencing by financial institutions. The government has been actively pursuing policies to promote innovation in the financial sectors. As a result, a total of 106 ‘innovative financial services’ have been designated through the regulatory sandbox program. As open banking became fully operational in December last year, more than seven of ten economically active individuals now use open banking, and the number of account views and transfers reached more than a billion. Moreover, the revisions to the three major data-related laws including the Credit Information Act will go into effect on August 5.(NEW CHALLENGES) Innovation in digital finance poses new challenges. Unlawful activities, such as identity theft or vishing, can lead to financial crimes. With a growing number of big techs and other nonfinancial institutions playing bigger roles in the provision of financial services, the third party risk originating from nonfinancial sectors has increased. The scope of cyber threats has also become wider with the application of newly available digital technologies. In this regard, without a guarantee for the safe protection of personal wealth and identity, innovation in digital finance is nothing more than a house of cards.(BALANCE BETWEEN INNOVATION SECURITY) In order to maintain an appropriate balance between
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Jul 06, 2020

FSC Holds Seminar to Further Develop Open Banking System

The FSC held an open banking seminar to promote vibrant discussions on ways to further develop the open banking system on July 6. Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo attended the seminar and delivered congratulatory remarks. The following is a summary of Vice Chairman Sohn’s remarks.The launching of open banking service last year brought about meaningful changes to the financial industry and increased convenience for consumers. Cooperation between banks and fintechs big techs is making a “banking as a platform” possible. The ease of access to payments networks has enabled fintechs and big techs to come up with more innovative financial services in more efficient ways. For consumers, the increased convenience of being able to use a variety of financial services in a single app and not having to switch between different platforms offers them more choice.In order to build upon the progress and further develop our open banking system, the following factors should be considered.(a) Expandability: expanding open banking service to non-banks, such as mutual finance, to promote competition and innovation while boosting consumer convenience(b) Consumer trust: guaranteeing information security, data protection and consumer protection(c) Openness: providing an open platform for all participating banks and institutions(d) Stability: ensuring a close monitoring system to minimize risks that may arise from the participation of multiple playersThe government will support open banking’s expandability, stability and reciprocal openness through relevant regulations. It is expected that the open banking system will catalyze the development of more innovative financial services, as it combines the accountability and stability of the so-called legacy banks and the convenience and innovativeness of the fintechs and big techs.FURTHER PLANThe FSC and the KFTC will draw up specific plans to further improve the open banking system in the third quarter this year. More types of financial insti
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Jul 06, 2020

3rd Supplementary Budget to Ensure Implementation of COVID-19 Financial Support Programs

The FSC announced that more than KRW4.7 trillion in fiscal resources has become available to facilitate smooth implementation of the various pandemic-related financial support programs as the National Assembly passed the 3rd supplementary budget on July 3.COVID-19 FINANCIAL SUPPORT(a) KRW1.5323 trillion in emergency financial support for small merchants, SMEs and middle market enterprises(b) KRW3.327 trillion capital injection to policy banks for providing emergency liquidity support to major industries and enterprisesOTHER SUPPORT MEASURES(a) KRW10 billion to support economic recovery(b) KRW100 billion to support agriculture and fisheries(c) KRW25 billion to increase the availability of microloans for low-income, low-credit groups(d) KRW50 billion to support KAMCO’s corporate asset purchase program* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 02, 2020

FSC to Inspect Fraud-prone Sectors for Financial Consumer Protection

The FSC and the FSS unveiled plans for comprehensive inspections targeting fraud-prone areas to stem potential damages to financial consumers from illegal activities.BACKGROUNDAs low interest rates and ample liquidity in financial markets prompted a growing number of retail investors to jump into investment in high-risk financial products, incidents of financial fraud or improper practices have been on the rise, making retail investors vulnerable to huge losses. Frequent incidents of consumer damages could undermine investors’ trust in financial markets and spread into systemic risks. As such, the financial authorities will launch comprehensive inspections on targeted areas deemed vulnerable to fraud or other illegal activities.TARGET AREAS INSPECTION PLANS(TARGET) Four areas where consumer losses from illegal activities are concentrated► private equity funds; ► peer-to-peer lending; ► illegal activities by unregistered financial service providers; and ► illegal predatory lending practices vishing(INSPECTION FRAMEWORK) Inspection teams made up of officials from the FSS and other relevant institutions will be created to cover each target area and will report their progress once a month at the financial risk assessment meeting.(SECTOR-SPECIFIC PLANS)► PRIVATE EQUITY FUNDS: A two-track approach of (a) self-inspection of all private equity funds (a total of 10,394 as of May 2020) and (b) official site inspection of all private fund managers (a total of 233 as of May 2020) (a) Self-inspection (from July to September 2020): A taskforce made up of fund sellers, managers, trustees and administrators will begin self-inspections from mid-July and report results to the FSS upon completion. If any irregularities or illegalities are found during the inspection, the T/F is required to immediately report to the FSS. (b) Site-inspection (until 2023): An FSS-led inspection team will be established by mid-July to probe all private fund managers over the next three years.
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Jul 02, 2020

Implementation Status of COVID-19 Financial Support Programs

OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMSIn response to the impact of the Covid-19 on the real economy and the spread of anxieties in financial markets, the government has introduced KRW175 trillion-plus financial support programs intended to help businesses and to stabilize markets. (a) KRW100 TRILLION-PLUS FINANCIAL SUPPORT PACKAGE to provide small businesses with emergency loans and stabilize financial markets(March 19 March 24) (b) KRW40 TRILLION STABILIZATION FUND FOR KEY INDUSTRIES KRW35 TRILLION ADDED TO THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT PACKAGE (April 22)To prevent gaps in the availability of support, the government has also prepared a KRW5 trillion working capital support program and KRW2 trillion-plus support package for auto parts industry. (June19)IMPLEMENTATION STATUS▪ Financial support programs for small merchants and SMEs disbursed KRW44 trillion, two thirds of the target amount of KRW68 trillion over the past three months.▪ Financial market stabilization programs (KRW73.5 trillion) serve as a backstop to the financial markets, although the uptake of such programs remained limited due to the faster-than-expected recovery in the markets.I. SMALL-SCALE BUSINESSES SMES (KRW68 TRILLION)(a) For small-scale businesses, KRW27.1 trillion out of KRW38.9 trillion provided (70%) in ultra-low interest rate loans, loan extensions and guarantees through policy banks and private banks(b) For SMEs and middle market enterprises, KRW16.7 trillion out of KRW29.1 trillion provided (57%) in loans and guarantees as well as interest payment and fee exemptionsII. MARKET STABILIZATION MEASURES (KRW73.5 TRILLION)(a) Stock market stabilization fund (KRW1.2 trillion out of KRW10.7 trillion total) and bond market stabilization fund (KRW3 trillion out of KRW20 trillion total) set up to provide a backstop to the financial markets(b) P-CBOs in the amount of about KRW504 billion and KRW695 billion issued in May and June, respectively, and KRW1.2 trillion in corporate bond and CP refinancing sup
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