Korea Exchange (KRX) will sharply extend stock trading hours to boost global competitiveness, adding pre- and after-market sessions around regular trading from June. The exchange also plans to complete a 24-hour trading system by end-2027. An exchange official said the extension was unavoidable as competition among domestic and overseas exchanges intensifies, and that management and labour share the view. Labour opposition continues.

South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service said on Monday it has prepared conflict-of-interest prevention guidelines for the banking industry with the Korea Federation of Banks and the sector to curb improper dealings involving employees and interested parties. The guidelines reflect international standards and detail the scope of interested parties and related-party transactions, including credit provision and lease contracts. They also introduce step-by-step internal controls, expand disciplinary action regardless of losses, and promote whistleblower protection and rewards. Banks plan to apply the rules from July.