South Korea\'s parliamentary audit raised concerns that funds are increasingly concentrating in banks while savings banks and mutual finance institutions shrink. Lawmakers also questioned the legal basis and procedures for the financial authorities\' household loan volume controls, calling them de facto mandatory rules. Separate inquiries focused on payment inconveniences for foreign tourists, Apple Pay fees and infrastructure costs, and limits on using iPhone NFC for local simple payment services. Authorities said they would review improvements.

The Bank of Korea held its benchmark interest rate at 3.00 percent, citing increased uncertainty surrounding the Middle East situation and major countries\' monetary policies. The central bank said it will decide whether to raise rates further after reviewing the effects of two earlier hikes. All seven members of the Monetary Policy Board backed the decision. The board said tightening is still needed, but it must check spillover effects as uncertainties expand.