According to Sina Finance, Bank of Korea Monetary Policy Board member Chang Yongsung said on Tuesday that the central bank will decide the timing and pace of any further rate hikes while closely watching inflation, economic conditions, and financial stability. The Bank of Korea said it will strengthen monitoring of financial and foreign exchange markets, as well as domestic and external factors, and work closely with the government to take market-stabilization measures promptly if instability emerges. It said South Korea's financial system remains broadly stable despite domestic and external uncertainty, supported by sound financial institutions and strong external payment capacity. Even so, it said vigilance is still needed against potential risks in the financial system. The bank also said continued house-price gains in the Seoul metropolitan area could further increase household borrowing, while uneven income growth across industries has raised concerns that higher interest rates could weaken debt repayment capacity among vulnerable borrowers.