Financial Services Commission Chair Promises Measures Amid Stock Market Volatility, Details Remain Vague

As domestic and international criticism mounts, pointing to single-stock leveraged products as a primary cause of recent extreme stock market volatility, Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Lee Eok-won announced today (July 16) that supplementary measures will be prepared and announced in the near future.

[Kim Ou-joon (July 16, 'Kim Ou-joon's Humility is Hard News Factory') : There is definitely an impact from leveraged ETFs, right?]

[Lee Eok-won, FSC Chairman (July 16, 'Kim Ou-joon's Humility is Hard News Factory') : The issue is to what extent that impact exists. We are closely monitoring those aspects, and we are working to quickly prepare and announce supplementary measures soon.]

Regarding the temporary trading suspension measures suggested by some, he stated, "The market has its own domain, and taking such actions could lead to greater side effects, so we are examining the situation comprehensively."

He remained tight-lipped when asked about what specific measures, including the potential for trading halts, are being prepared.

Chairman Lee identified the increased volatility within the global semiconductor industry itself as a key factor in stock market fluctuations.

He explained that the semiconductor industry has grown rapidly through a super-cycle, leading to a significant rise in stock prices within a short period.

He noted, "Expectations and concerns related to the industry intersect daily, and stock prices fluctuate whenever news emerges," adding that "it is not just Korea, but overseas semiconductor stocks are also experiencing volatility."

Addressing concerns that Korean semiconductor stocks are experiencing sharper fluctuations compared to their overseas counterparts, he explained that as the market capitalizations of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have surged and their weight within the KOSPI has increased, "the surface area affected by shocks has expanded."

He emphasized several times that single-stock leveraged products are short-term, high-risk instruments. Regarding the criticism the FSC is facing over the single-stock leverage situation, he said, "As the person in charge of the financial market, it is a burden I must naturally bear, and we are in close consultation with relevant ministries."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.