[New Year's Address] FSC Chairman Lee Okwon: "Leading Major Economic Leap Through Financial Transformation"

Lee Okwon, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, Delivers 2026 New Year's Address

Lee Eokwon, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Lee Okwon, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, stated that this year, "We will accelerate the financial transformation that will lead the Republic of Korea's major economic leap forward."

In his New Year's address released on January 1, Chairman Lee said, "This year, we will begin to achieve tangible results in productive finance that opens up the future," and added, "Through the National Growth Fund, which brings together the government, the financial sector, and industry, we will boldly invest in advanced industries that will shape the future of the Korean economy."

He emphasized, "We will continue to invigorate the capital market by establishing the one-strike-out rule and shareholder protection principles, and by enhancing trust and innovation in the KOSDAQ market."

He went on to say, "We will expand inclusive finance that lowers barriers and reduces burdens," and mentioned, "To ease the high interest burden on the financially marginalized, we will reform policy-based financial products for low-income groups and improve practices in debt restructuring and collection."

As part of building trusted finance, Chairman Lee stated, "We will strengthen efforts to thoroughly protect consumers from financial crimes and accidents and to provide swift relief to victims."

Referring to the idiom 'Baekrak Sangma,' which highlights the importance of recognizing and appointing talented individuals, he said, "I hope that, in the Year of the Horse, the dreams of innovation, entrepreneurship, and challenge found throughout Korea will meet finance and become 'Jeokto-ma' (outstanding horses), and that finance will develop together as well."