Gov't ready to deploy market stabilization measures, including 'value-up funds'

An emergency meeting chaired by Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is held in Seoul, in this photo provided by the Finance Ministry, Dec. 9. Yonhap

An emergency meeting chaired by Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is held in Seoul, in this photo provided by the Finance Ministry, Dec. 9. Yonhap

The government is ready to deploy immediate market stabilization measures, including the injection of "value-up funds" into the country's stock market, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok said Monday.

Choi made the statement during an emergency meeting with top economic and financial officials, as Korea grapples with the fallout from President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law last Tuesday. The declaration was overturned by the National Assembly just hours later.

"We are prepared to activate market stabilization measures, such as the value-up funds, immediately if needed," Choi said.

The ministry said value-up funds worth 30 billion won ($21 million) have already been injected into the stock market, with an additional 70 billion won scheduled to be deployed this week. Another 30 billion won is set to follow shortly after.

Next week, the government also plans to roll out a second round of stabilization funds worth 300 billion won.

Structural measures to improve foreign exchange liquidity and inflows will also be announced later this month, the ministry added.

The Korean won plunged to a two-year low early Wednesday after the martial law was lifted, while the stock market suffered significant losses due to heavy foreign selling.

In response, the government has pledged to inject "unlimited liquidity" into the financial system as necessary. The Bank of Korea has begun repo operations for financial institutions. (Yonhap)

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