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Government Mobilizes Comprehensive Measures for Economic Recovery The Korean government has announced the imminent launch of its "Consumer Recovery Coupon" program, positioning it as a crucial catalyst for overcoming the nation's economic challenges. During the Lee Jae-myung administration's first National Policy Coordination Meeting, officials outlined comprehensive measures to stabilize consumer prices and revitalize the domestic economy. Beyond Simple Stimulus: A Structural Recovery Approach Government officials emphasized that the Consumer Recovery Coupon represents more than a one-time support measure. The policy is designed as a comprehensive strategy to drive recovery across Korea's economic structure, with particular focus on benefiting neighborhood commercial districts and small business owners who form the backbone of the domestic economy. Professor Lee Jun...

As the second half of 2025 begins, the Korean real estate market is experiencing new changes. With the implementation of Stress DSR Phase 3 starting in July, investors need a more careful approach than ever before. Market Outlook for Second Half 2025 The real estate market in the second half of this year can be summarized with three key keywords. First is 'selective recovery.' Not all regions and housing types will rise simultaneously, but only properties meeting specific conditions are expected to see price increases. Second is 'policy adaptation.' With the implementation of DSR Phase 3 reducing loan limits, this could actually be an opportunity for investors with sufficient capital, as competition decreases. Third is 'widening regional gaps.' The disparity between metropolitan and regional areas, and between new and old cities, is expected to grow further. Particularly, the difference between areas with improved transportation infrastructure and thos...

Divergent Views on New Government Policy Since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration, concerns and expectations regarding real estate policy are intersecting. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed concerns about the new government real estate policy, while former lawmaker Park Yong-jin offered positive evaluations. Seoul Mayor Warning Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated concerns about whether real estate prices can be controlled if money supply is increased in the market under the pretext of stimulating the economy. He emphasized the need for a cautious approach based on past experience that house prices rise when money is released even with regulations. Economic Target Concerns Some analysts suggest that the new government is excessively intervening in the real estate market due to the economic goal of KOSPI 5000. There are concerns that expanding money supply for economic sti...

2025 Korean Real Estate Market Revolution South Korea's real estate market is experiencing significant transformation in 2025 under the new administration's policy framework. The comprehensive deregulation measures announced in June have fundamentally altered the investment landscape, creating new opportunities for both domestic and international investors. Major Policy Changes in 2025 The Korean government has implemented sweeping changes to real estate regulations, marking a decisive shift from the restrictive policies of previous years. These changes reflect the administration's commitment to stimulating economic growth through increased real estate activity. Key Regulatory Updates: Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: Increased from 70% to 80%, allowing buyers to secure larger mortgages with smaller down payments. This change particularly benefits first-time homebuyers and young families seeking to enter the property market. Debt Service Ratio (DSR): Relaxed from 4...

Market Surge Triggers Caution Less than a month after the new administration's inauguration, South Korea's KOSPI index has broken through the 3,100 mark, continuing its remarkable rally. However, this rapid ascent has coincided with widespread warnings about stablecoin risks and signs of market overheating, prompting experts to caution investors about potential corrections ahead. The KOSPI's breakthrough of 3,100 points marks a significant milestone, representing the first time the index has reached such heights in over three years. The surge has been driven largely by optimism surrounding the new government's economic policies and expectations for digital financial innovation, particularly in the cryptocurrency and fintech sectors. Overheating Indicators Emerge The Korea Exchange reports that the number of stocks designated as short-term overheated has tripled compared to the previous month, with 30 stocks now classified as either inv...

Prolonged Real Estate Project Financing Cleanup Process The Korean government has decided to extend temporary financial regulatory relief measures as the cleanup process for distressed real estate project financing (PF) loans is taking longer than initially anticipated. Financial authorities announced on July 2nd that "policy efforts for PF soft landing continue, but there are no concerns about sudden market shocks." The extension reflects the government's cautious approach to managing one of the most significant challenges facing Korea's financial sector. Real estate PF loans, which finance large-scale development projects, have become increasingly problematic as the property market has cooled and construction costs have risen. Rising Delinquency Rates in First Quarter First-quarter data revealed increasing delinquency rates in financial institutions' PF loan portfolios. The concentration of problematic loans...

Historic Bull Run Continues in Korean Stock Market The Korean stock market continues its remarkable rally, with the KOSPI index setting another record high on July 2nd. The benchmark index has achieved its strongest performance in 26 years, marking a significant milestone in Korean financial market history. Holding company-related stocks led the surge amid growing expectations for commercial law amendments. Unprecedented Growth Since 1999 This year's KOSPI performance represents the most robust growth since 1999, creating optimism across the investment community. Securities firms are projecting that the index could potentially reach 4,000 points before year-end, driven by strong government support for equity market development. The surge reflects investor confidence in President Lee Jae-myung's market-friendly policies and economic reform agenda. The administration's commitment to promoting stocks as an alternative to r...

Paradoxical Effects of Loan Restrictions Despite the South Korean government's strictest real estate loan regulations, Seoul apartment prices continue their upward trajectory. The combination of mortgage loan limits exceeding 600 million won and third-phase DSR (Debt Service Ratio) regulations has dramatically reduced transaction volumes, but paradoxically created upward pressure on housing prices due to property shortages. Regulatory Measures and Market Response The government's super-strong real estate measures announced on June 27th aimed to control housing prices in Seoul and the greater metropolitan area by limiting maximum mortgage loans to 600 million won. Combined with the implementation of third-phase DSR regulations, purchasing homes through loans has become significantly more difficult. However, these powerful regulations are producing paradoxical results. Despite property owners in Han River belt areas reducing asking prices by hundreds of millions of won,...