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New Bank of Korea board member says inflation worries are heightening

By Thomson Reuters May 15, 2026 | 2:01 AM

SEOUL, May 15 (Reuters) – South Korea’s newly appointed central bank board ​member, Kim Jin-ill, ‌said on Friday inflation worries had heightened due to high oil prices ‌sparked ​by the ⁠Middle East conflict.

Kim ⁠said economic conditions were improving led by the technology sector, but ​uncertainty was high over global investments ⁠while there was ⁠also the issue ​of inequality domestically.

On financial ​stability, Kim said caution ‌was increasing over capital flow risks, while the issues of household ⁠debt and house prices also remained.

Kim began his four-year ⁠term ‌as a member ⁠of the Bank ​of ‌Korea’s seven-seat policy ​board on ⁠Friday. His first rate-setting meeting will be on May 28.

(Reporting by Jihoon LeeEditing by Ed ​Davies)