Anchor: The Bank of Korea(BOK) has kept its benchmark interest rate steady at a record low one-and-a-quarter percent for the second straight month. While citing concerns of undiminishing household debt, BOK Governor Lee Ju-yeol said the central bank is discussing additional measures to tackle the issue.
Our Bae Joo-yon has more.
 
Report: The Bank of Korea(BOK) held its monthly monetary policy meeting on Thursday and decided to keep its benchmark interest rate at the record low level of one-point-25 percent for the second consecutive month.
 
The bank’s monetary policy committee unanimously decided on the rate freeze.
 
BOK Governor Lee Ju-yeol told reporters shortly after Thursday’s meeting that though the interest rate has nearly reached the bottom line, that doesn’t mean that the bank’s policy response capability has been completely exhausted.
 
His remarks apparently suggest that though the bank could further slash the key interest rate depending on economic conditions, the move would require extra caution.
 
Lee also expressed concerns over the surge in household debt.
 
He said the government has presented various steps to repress household debt that shows no signs of waning, but has yet to witness substantial results. He added that he is discussing additional steps with related authorities to limit the rise.

Lee said that the trends of a strong Korean won were spurred by an influx of foreign capital amid improved investment sentiment, adding that the influx is not of an alarming level.
Bae Joo-yon, KBS World Radio News.