Shinhan Financial Group Leads in Inclusive Finance Initiatives Shinhan Financial Group is gaining attention as the fastest-moving financial group in response to the government's inclusive finance initiatives. Under Chairman Jin Ok-dong, the group has revived the 'microfinance' program, previously used as a policy finance tool, to differentiate itself in the market.As of May 7, Shinhan Financial has actively integrated microfinance into its inclusive finance strategy, enhancing its presence. Microfinance provides low-interest startup and operational funds to May 7, 2026

Internet Banks Face 'Cherry-Picking' Controversy Amid Lending Criticism Internet banks are facing renewed scrutiny over their lending practices, particularly regarding their role in inclusive finance. Critics argue that these banks primarily serve higher-credit borrowers, contradicting their founding purpose. According to a report from the Korea Federation of Banks on May 7, the three internet banks—K-Bank, Kakao Bank, and Toss Bank—had a combined 33.1% of their credit loan balances allocated to borrowers in the bottom 50% of credit scores as of the end of last May 7, 2026

HUG to Release Villa Prices and Quality Jeonse Listings to Prevent Rental Fraud The Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG) is set to introduce new services that provide price information for villas and multi-family homes, along with a certification system for quality jeonse listings. This initiative aims to reduce information asymmetry in the non-apartment market, where rental fraud has been prevalent. HUG plans to expand its role beyond a guarantee institution to a public platform that encompasses housing supply, financial services, and data offerings. Duri May 7, 2026

SK Hynix Doubles in Four Months, But Bank Stocks Lag in KOSPI Rally The KOSPI index surged past 7500, driven by a spike in semiconductor stocks, but bank shares remain sidelined in the market rally. Analysts attribute the limited upward momentum to concerns over financial stability and policy uncertainties despite record earnings. On May 7, Samsung Electronics closed at 271,500 won, up 5,500 won (2.07%) from the previous day, marking a 111.2% increase since the start of the year. Similarly, SK Hynix rose from 677,000 won to 1,654,000 won, a 144.3% jump. T May 7, 2026

Financial Sector Supports Yeocheon NCC with Increased $300 Million Naphta Import Credit The financial sector is stepping in to support Yeocheon NCC amid increased supply challenges for naphta due to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. On May 7, the Financial Services Commission announced that it would hold a meeting of the "Self-Regulatory Council of Bond Financial Institutions" to discuss a financial support plan that includes raising the naphta import letter of credit (L/C) limit to $300 million. A letter of credit is a payment method where banks guarantee payment to May 7, 2026

KB Asset Management Reclaims No. 3 ETF Market Share as Korea Stocks Surge South Korea’s stock market has climbed at an unusual pace, reshaping the exchange-traded fund landscape. Asset managers with heavier exposure to domestic equity ETFs have seen net assets rise quickly, while firms that emphasized U.S. big tech and other overseas-stock products have lagged. As of May 7, KB Asset Management’s ETF net assets totaled 32.4668 trillion won, according to the Korea Financial Investment Association. Korea Investment Management posted 32.4552 trillion won. Both had May 7, 2026

South Korea Appoints 134 New Prosecutors, Doubling Lateral Hires The Justice Ministry has appointed 134 new prosecutors, including 86 who passed the 15th bar exam and 48 experienced legal professionals. The ministry said the appointments were confirmed at a ceremony held May 7 at its headquarters in Gwacheon, south of Seoul. It said it moved up the selection process and expanded hiring compared with previous years to address a shortage of prosecutors. Of the 86 bar-exam hires, the ministry said it has run a strict, multi-step screening process since May 7, 2026

Appeals Court Cuts Han Duck-soo Sentence to 15 Years for Role in Martial Law Case Han Duck-soo, who was indicted on charges tied to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Dec. 3 emergency martial law, received a reduced sentence on appeal. On the 7th, the Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 12-1 sentenced Han to 15 years in prison for charges including performing key duties in an insurrection. The term was eight years less than the 23-year sentence handed down at the first trial. The panel said, as the lower court did, that Han played a central role in the process of decl May 7, 2026

South Korea ETF Assets Top 400 Trillion Won as KOSPI Rally Fuels Shift From Stock Picking "We used to look for which stock would rise. Now we watch which ETF the money is flowing into." That line is increasingly common in Seoul’s Yeouido financial district as South Korean stocks extend a rally and the exchange-traded fund market expands quickly. Rather than picking individual names, more money is moving into ETFs that track indexes or broad sectors, shifting the market’s center of gravity. Industry officials say the domestic ETF market is accelerating even as external uncerta May 7, 2026

Tving Posts 19.2 Billion Won Q1 Operating Loss, Narrowing Deficit by 6.5 Billion Won Online video service Tving posted an operating loss of 19.2 billion won in the first quarter, narrowing its deficit and raising expectations for improved profitability after extending its content amortization period. CJ ENM said on May 7 during its 2026 first-quarter earnings conference call that Tving recorded a 19.2 billion won operating loss for the quarter. That compared with a 25.7 billion won operating loss a year earlier, reducing the loss by 6.5 billion won. A CJ ENM official sai May 7, 2026