Financial Supervisory Service Governor Lee Chan-jin said 2026 would be an important turning point determining the direction of the economy and that a shift to “productive finance” was essential. He called for activating capital markets to redirect liquidity into companies and boosting support for venture and innovative firms. Lee also pledged strict action against stock price manipulation, continued capital market infrastructure upgrades, expansion of venture capital supply and stronger IT risk monitoring across the financial sector.

Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eok-won said he hopes 2026 will mark the first year South Korea fully resolves the "Korea discount" and opens a "Korea premium" market. Speaking at the securities and derivatives market opening ceremony, he said the government will push fundamental reforms based on trust, shareholder protection, innovation and virtuous cycles. He pledged tougher action against stock manipulation, measures to boost shareholder value and support for new market initiatives.