Kim Byunghwan "Ready to Deploy 100 Trillion Won Market Stabilization Program Anytime"

Financial Situation Review Meeting Held
in Response to U.S. Reciprocal Tariffs

Kim Byung-hwan, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Kim Byung-hwan, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, stated that due to increased market uncertainty caused by the United States' imposition of reciprocal tariffs, a market stabilization program worth approximately 100 trillion won will be prepared for immediate deployment if necessary.

On the morning of the 7th, Chairman Kim held a "Financial Situation Review Meeting" at the Government Seoul Office with the Financial Supervisory Service Governor, heads of the five major financial holding companies, heads of policy finance and related institutions, and financial association leaders, where he made these remarks.

He emphasized, "Last week, the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the United States has created a situation of very high uncertainty in the domestic and international economy, industry, and financial markets. It is a crucial time to manage our economy and financial markets stably during the remaining two months until the next government takes office."

He continued, "At times like this, finance must fulfill its fundamental role more faithfully to maintain market stability and ensure that financial intermediation proceeds without disruption. I ask the financial holding companies and policy finance institutions present here to take the lead in stabilizing the financial market and to play a more active role in providing funding support to the real sector, including companies."

In particular, he noted, "There are concerns that not only export companies directly affected by the U.S. reciprocal tariffs but also their partner companies will face management difficulties. Please closely monitor the situations and impacts on trading companies on the ground and ensure that necessary funding and support are provided in a timely manner."

Chairman Kim stated, "The financial authorities will also make thorough preparations and execution of the market stabilization program (approximately 100 trillion won) so that necessary measures, such as liquidity supply, can be taken at any time depending on market conditions. Policies that have already been announced or are currently underway will be carried out as originally planned and scheduled to firmly establish market confidence."