KB Kookmin Bank said it has expanded its \'KB Hope Finance Center\' from Seoul and Incheon to major hubs nationwide, including Daegu, Daejeon and Busan. The centres support vulnerable customers by providing debt adjustment and credit counselling services. The bank said the centres also guide customers on debt relief systems and policy finance products, including options to switch from high-interest loans. It also introduced an AI agent to strengthen counselling support.

South Korea\'s financial sector has entered the first-quarter earnings season, with non-interest income and non-bank units driving diverging results among major financial holding companies. KB Financial Group, Shinhan Financial Group and Hana Financial Group posted record results, while Woori Financial Group recorded a decline. Strong stock markets lifted securities firms\' earnings, and new savings and investment products were launched. The industry is also accelerating a shift toward AI and digital finance, alongside calls for stronger controls and risk management.