Seoul Economic Daily reports South Korean analysts say pressure from companies
and retail investors, not workload, is the main reason for fewer negative
research notes. Analysts issuing adverse views are often excluded from investors
relations events or restricted from site visits; retail investors sometimes
mount collective protests, including dozens of calls a day that can disrupt
work. A former analyst said: In the past people focused on whether reports were
right; now attacks target the analyst personally rather than the content. He
added: Especially in volatile markets, retail backlash is stronger, making it
harder for analysts to remain dispassionate.
