Overseas investors and financial regulators gave a positive assessment of the growth potential of South Korean companies and capital market reforms. They said attracting more long-term money requires consistent enforcement of shareholder protection and improvements in foreigners’ trading convenience and market infrastructure. Speakers at the Korea Premium Week 2026 opening in Seoul highlighted competitiveness in semiconductors and other industries and pointed to the need to expand market access and ensure stable settlement and clearing operations.

Kakao has cleared the first hurdle for its planned corporate spin-off after shareholder opposition to the merger of surviving entity KakaoX with Kakao Investment remained in the 2 percent range. Under the Commercial Act, a small-scale merger requires shareholder meeting approval if dissenting shareholders hold at least 20 percent of outstanding shares. Kakao can proceed with only a board resolution. The company plans to split into KakaoX and KakaoAI in January.