[KBS WORLD Radio] Korea 24 Korea 24 - 2026.02.10
Feb 10, 2026
Bernie Cho, K-culture expert known for Hallyu commentary, and Kang Min-ju, ING senior economist on Korea-Japan macro issues, join Professor John Jay-Sheik, real estate academic at Konguk University. They discuss Seoul housing polarization and why supply cannot meet demand. They cover tax relief changes, public land plans, stricter rules for foreign investors, and K-pop crossovers with major sports events.
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Household Wealth Locked In Property
- Korean households hold over 45% of assets in real estate, more than financial assets at ~35%.
- This concentration, especially in Seoul/Gyeonggi, differs from advanced economies and raises systemic risk.
Public Land Supply Is Too Small
- Allocating 60,000 units from state land targets desirable locations but is too small to shift overall Seoul prices.
- Strict DSR rules also limit access, so gains likely help few rather than cool the wider market.
Hold Rates; Use Macroprudential Tools
- The Bank of Korea should keep rates stable to avoid worsening household leverage or financial instability.
- Coordinate macroprudential steps with fiscal measures instead of relying on monetary easing.
