Finance › Speeches › Hyun Song Shin

Hyun Song Shin: speeches

3 speeches by Hyun Song Shin listed between 21 April 2026 and 2 September 2026. Roles covered: Governor of the Bank of Korea (since 21 April 2026). Most frequent topics: inflation and price stability, growth, investment and productivity, public finances and debt.

Last updated 10 November 2026 · newest first

HS
· Hyun Song Shin Wiki · Bank of Korea WikiOpening address - Bank of Korea-Centre for Economic Policy Research-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Conference

ContextRecorded opening address by the Bank of Korea Governor to a conference on the economics of ageing and longevity, co-organised with the CEPR and the OECD.

Why it mattersKorea's central bank chief puts ageing and the low birth rate at the centre of economic policy, warning that AI is not a substitute for structural reform.

Problems raised
  1. Korea's population is ageing fast and its birth rate is very low.
  2. Ageing economies must make large fiscal adjustments in little time.
  3. AI will not solve structural problems on its own.
Solutions proposed
  1. Invest in research on long-term structural issues.
  2. Prepare early for demographic change, which is predictable.
  3. Use Korea's AI and semiconductor strength as an opportunity.
Read full speech on bis.org ↗Open Dark Majestic article
in a new window ↗
HS
· Hyun Song Shin Wiki · Bank of Korea WikiSpeech - 76th Anniversary of the Bank of Korea

ContextAddress by the Governor to Bank of Korea staff in Seoul for the central bank's 76th anniversary.

Why it mattersThe Bank of Korea's anniversary speech, a yearly policy marker, announces steps to open the won market to foreign investors.

Problems raised
  1. Inflation will stay above target for a long time after supply shocks.
  2. Demand-side price pressures are strengthening.
  3. Korea's currency market is not open enough to foreign investors.
Solutions proposed
  1. Work with the government on price stabilisation.
  2. Open the foreign exchange market 24 hours and create an offshore won settlement system.
  3. Use strong public and corporate finances to invest in future growth.
Read the speech summary

1. Strong growth, rising inflation

Marking the central bank's 76th year, the Governor of Korea's central bank, in office for two months, thanked his predecessors and staff and told them that AI-driven chip exports lifted first-quarter growth to 1.8% on the quarter and nominal growth to 10.5%, with real incomes rising near double digits. Growth should stay solid as incomes and investment support domestic demand, though it relies heavily on IT. Inflation reached about 3% in May and core inflation the mid-2% range, while living costs rise faster than the headline index, risking higher household expectations; inflation should stay above target for some time.

2. Financial risks and the won

Seoul home prices, deposits and rents are climbing, borrowing to buy shares has jumped and household loans grew sharply in May. The won stays around 1 500 per dollar as foreigners sell Korean shares, although the current account surplus may support it.

3. Policy direction

With little trade-off between objectives, the bank should focus on prices and lift its policy rate without waiting until it is late, which also protects poorer households; fiscal policy is better placed to help indebted borrowers. Longer-term tasks include household debt, reducing the concentration in Seoul, internationalising the won with 24-hour trading and offshore settlement, using strong public and corporate finances to invest, and studying demographic effects on growth and the neutral rate. He promised open debate and better internal management, urging preparation while times are good, in the spirit of repairing the roof while the sun shines. He added that the current boom owes much to a favourable external environment and should not breed complacency, and that the best decisions come from departments sharing information and working together.

Read full speech on bis.org ↗Open Dark Majestic article
in a new window ↗
HS
· Hyun Song Shin Wiki · Bank of Korea WikiInaugural address

ContextInaugural address by Hyun Song Shin, Governor of the Bank of Korea, Seoul, 21 April 2026.

Why it mattersThe new Bank of Korea Governor's first speech in office, setting out his priorities.

Problems raised
  1. Rising oil prices push inflation up and growth down.
  2. Financial market volatility and imbalances persist.
  3. Tariffs are reshaping trade.
Solutions proposed
  1. Serve the economy with responsible monetary policy.
  2. Watch financial imbalances closely.
  3. Draw on international experience to guide the Bank of Korea.
Read full speech on bis.org ↗Open Dark Majestic article
in a new window ↗