South Korea’s Financial Regulator Pledges Continued Capital Market Reform

South Korea’s top financial regulator has pledged to continue capital market reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s standing among global investors, highlighting corporate governance and trading infrastructure as key areas for further work.

Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eog-weon delivered the message Monday at the opening of Korea Premium Weeks 2026, a three-week investor relations program organized with Korea Exchange, the country’s main bourse operator. The program is designed to promote the domestic capital market and bring listed companies into direct discussions with investors.

Lee said the Korean stock market’s international profile had already improved, pointing to record gains last year and the market’s capitalization. He added that the government would implement its planned reform measures while continuing efforts to promote the market. His remarks signaled policy continuity as officials seek to convert recent market momentum into a more durable improvement in investor confidence.

A total of 55 listed companies are scheduled to participate during the three-week program. Government officials, market experts and investors will use the sessions to assess the results of recent reforms and discuss the next phase of policy. The agenda gives both policymakers and companies an opportunity to hear how market participants view Korea’s progress and what obstacles remain.

Corporate governance will be a central topic. Participants are expected to review measures already introduced and consider additional ways to improve how listed companies are governed. Governance standards are an important part of the effort to raise the Korean market’s appeal, because investors weigh transparency, accountability and the treatment of shareholders when deciding where to allocate capital.

The program will also examine changes to market infrastructure. Topics include extending trading hours and shortening the settlement cycle to T+1, under which securities transactions are completed one business day after the trade. Any move in that direction would affect brokers, exchanges, clearing systems and investors, making consultation across the market essential before implementation.

The regulator’s emphasis on steady policy support comes as South Korea seeks to build on its market gains and enhance its global status. The discussions during Korea Premium Weeks will provide an early indication of how authorities and market participants prioritize the remaining reforms, particularly in governance and the mechanics of trading.