iM Bank said on Monday it will provide 1 trillion won in 2026 Lunar New Year special loans from Feb. 2.

The programme is aimed at easing management difficulties at small and medium-sized firms and revitalising the local economy. It totals 500 billion won in new loans and 500 billion won in maturity extensions, and will run through March 6.

The maximum support per company is 1 billion won. The bank plans to offer interest rate discounts depending on credit grades and transaction terms to reduce financing costs. It also simplified loan handling procedures, including easing credit evaluation and discretionary approval authority, to improve customer convenience and speed funding support.

iM Bank expects the 2026 Lunar New Year special loans to support small and medium-sized firms that face temporary financing difficulties due to weak demand, including declining sales and a lack of liquidity, and to help ease funding strains and cut financing costs.

Chief Executive Kang Jung-hoon (강정훈) said, "I hope the 2026 Lunar New Year special loans will provide practical help to local small and medium-sized firms that are struggling, and we will prepare various financial support programmes so iM Bank can warmly accompany SMEs and small business owners."