70th Anniversary of Korea Exchange: "The First Year Toward Korea Premium"

Jung Eunbo's Opening Address at the 2026 Ceremony
"Strengthening the Expulsion of Insolvent Companies and Expanding Virtual Asset ETFs"

Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the Korea Exchange has identified the eradication of unfair trading, support for productive finance, and the extension of trading hours as its key priorities for the new year in pursuit of achieving KOSPI 5000.

At the '2026 Securities and Derivatives Market Opening Ceremony' held at the Korea Exchange Market Square in Yeouido on January 2, Jung Eunbo, Chairman of the Korea Exchange, stated, "Despite uncertain domestic and global conditions last year, our capital market set a new milestone by reaching KOSPI 4000. Now, it is time for us to move beyond the 'Korea Discount' and advance toward a premium market."

Jung Eunbo, Chairman of Korea Exchange, is speaking at the '2026 Securities and Derivatives Market Opening Ceremony' held at Korea Exchange in Yeouido, Seoul on January 2, 2025. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Chairman Jung emphasized that the fundamental requirement for the development of the capital market is securing investor trust. He said, "We will build a fair and trustworthy market," adding, "We will establish an AI-based surveillance system and eradicate unfair trading by centering efforts around the Joint Response Team for Stock Price Manipulation." He further stated, "We will also strengthen the removal of insolvent companies to further solidify market confidence."

He also pledged support for productive finance. Chairman Jung said, "For the sustainable growth of our economy, it is necessary to foster innovative companies and transform our industrial structure," promising to "expand customized listings for advanced strategic industries such as AI, energy, and aerospace." He added, "We will also enhance programs to improve corporate value so that companies can be properly recognized for their stock prices."

He reaffirmed the vision of ushering in the era of 24-hour stock trading. Chairman Jung stressed, "To respond to the rapidly changing competitive environment of the global capital market, we will extend trading hours and gradually establish a 24-hour trading system." He continued, "We will improve the convenience and attractiveness of our market to attract overseas investors." He also promised to expand new products, including digital finance, virtual asset ETFs, and futures.

Oh Kihyung, Chairman of the KOSPI 5000 Special Committee, said in his congratulatory remarks, "We will do our best to consistently maintain policies that resolve the Korea Discount," adding, "We must promptly implement the third amendment to the Commercial Act, strengthen the disclosure system, and review the codification of directors' fiduciary duties."

Jung Eunbo, Chairman of the Korea Exchange, and other attendees are taking a commemorative photo at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Securities and Derivatives Market held at the Korea Exchange in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 2nd. In the front row from the left: Kim Youngjae, Chairman of the Listed Companies Association; Kim Haksoo, President of NextTrade; Hwang Seongyeop, Chairman of the Korea Financial Investment Association; Oh Kihyung, Chairman of the KOSPI 5000 Special Committee; Chairman Jung; Lee Eogwon, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission; Kim Sanghoon, Chairman of the Value-Up Special Committee; Lee Chanjin, Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service; Lee Donghun, Chairman of the KOSDAQ Association; Hwang Changsoon, Chairman of the KONEX Association. 2025.01.2 Photo by Jo Yongjun