South Korea\'s semiconductor exports, which lifted quarterly GDP growth in the first quarter, are expected to gain further momentum in the second quarter as execution of a supplementary budget begins, Hana Securities said. It said rising semiconductor export prices are outpacing the recovery in volumes, raising the chance of a combined rebound in facility investment and domestic demand. It also cited sharp gains in memory chip contract prices and stronger April export values.

Woori Financial Group held an April council meeting on financing for advanced strategic industries, chaired by Chairman Lim Jong-ryong (임종룡), to review first-quarter results and second-quarter tasks for its 80 trillion won Future Shared Growth Project. Participants agreed to speed up productive finance amid rising external uncertainty. The group also outlined inclusive finance measures, including loan rate caps and interest relief, and plans to complete a groupwide platform in May.