Anchor: The nation’s economy posted growth of six-tenths of a percent in the second quarter of this year. Though exports fell, private consumption saw better-than-expected improvement.
Our Bae Joo-yon has more.
 
Report: South Korea’s gross domestic product(GDP) grew six-tenths of a percent in the second quarter of this year. The figure was down half a percentage point compared to the first quarter which saw surprise growth.
 
The Bank of Korea attributed the rise in economic growth to expanded consumption and facility investment. The central bank said though growth fell compared to the first quarter it remained robust.  
 
Private consumption climbed nine-tenths of a percent from the first quarter thanks to strong spending on home appliances and mobile phones. Such growth is the sharpest to be posted since the fourth quarter of 2015.
 
It appears that anticipation over the launch of the new government led to improved private consumption.
 
Meanwhile, exports fell three percent in the second quarter due to a drop in exports of automobiles and petrochemicals.
 
The Bank of Korea said that due to sluggish sales of South Korean automobiles abroad, overseas production of cars and exports of auto parts fell sharply. However, it was quick to add that in terms of volume, exports are maintaining growth.
 
The central bank assessed that the nation’s GDP must post growth of around eight-tenths of a percent in the third and fourth quarters if it is to achieve an annual growth of three percent forecast by the government.
Bae Joo-yon, KBS World Radio News.