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Finance

Bank of Korea likely to raise 2026 growth forecast to 1.9 to 2.0 percent; focus on U.S. tariff assessment

The Bank of Korea is expected to raise its 2026 real GDP growth forecast to 1.9 to 2.0 percent from 1.8 percent in revised projections due on Feb. 26, analysts said. They cite a strong semiconductor cycle, improving exports, recovering domestic demand and wealth effects from higher share prices. Views differ on the impact of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling voiding reciprocal tariffs and President Donald Trump’s warning of a new 10 percent tariff. Inflation is expected to stay around 2.1 percent.

Finance

Brokerage stocks emerge as biggest beneficiaries as KOSPI extends record run

South Korea's KOSPI closed at 5,808.53, up 2.31 percent, after topping 5,700 for the first time and briefly touching 5,809.91. Brokerage stocks led gains as January average daily trading value hit a record 62.3 trillion won and recently expanded to about 80 trillion won. The KRX securities index rose 43.0 percent last month and was up 74.26 percent year-to-date through Feb. 13. Analysts cited higher brokerage earnings leverage, shareholder return expectations and policy catalysts, while warning of volatility and property PF risks.

Games & Commerce

Classic-era games return as Lineage and Diablo spark PC bang boom

Lineage and Diablo II, symbols of South Korea's early-2000s PC bang culture, are returning to the spotlight as players come back. NCSOFT's Lineage Classic rose to No. 2 on GameTrics with a 9.45 percent share, supported by PC bang-only benefits. Blizzard's Diablo II: Resurrected rebounded after a large update and new DLC tied to the franchise's 30th anniversary. National PC bang playtime rose 10.2 percent in the second week of February, The Log data showed.