The Bank of Korea on Friday left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at one-point-25 percent for September.
 
The monetary policy board has kept the key rate steady for three consecutive months since lowering it to the record-low rate in June. 

The central bank was limited in its movement due to concerns about rapidly increasing household debt and a potential rate hike in the United States. 

Despite new regulations implemented by the government, household debt hasn't halted its steep rise. Meanwhile, U.S. Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen has strongly indicated that the Fed could raise interest rates this year. A rate hike in the U.S. makes it difficult for the BOK to go in the opposite direction due to a possible outflow of foreign investment funds.