Anchor: The chief of South Korea's central bank has suggested that another rate cut is unlikely, given a higher chance of a rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve. At a meeting with economists on Tuesday, the Bank of Korea governor also urged the government to resolve problems stemming from the low birth rate and an aging society.
Our Bae Joo-yon has more. 

Report: Bank of Korea(BOK) Governor Lee Ju-yeol says chances have increased that the U.S. Fed will raise its key interest rate this year.

[Sound bite: Bank of Korea Governor Lee Ju-yeol (Korean)]
"It is true that the likelihood of the Fed's rate hike is higher as Chairwoman Yellen said conditions for a policy rate increase have strengthened." 
 
During a meeting with economists at the BOK headquarters Tuesday, Lee said U.S. Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen and Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer hinted last week that the U.S. benchmark rate will be raised soon.
 
Lee quoted economic experts from global credit appraiser Fitch Ratings, who said the U.S. rate hike could pose a danger to the South Korean economy.

While hinting at the lowered chance on his side to further slash the rate, which is currently at a record-low one-point-25 percent, the chief central banker added that the Fitch officials also mentioned mounting household debt and a quickly aging population as other risk factors for South Korea.

Emphasizing the need to come up with solutions to the aging society, Lee said the central bank will strengthen its research in that area and the country’s low birth trend. 

He said intense discussions will follow with the government based on that research.
Bae Joo-yon, KBS World Radio News.