Capital Economics economist Gareth Leather said that after the BANK OF KOREA's rate hike on Thursday, further increases remain possible in the coming months. Headline consumer inflation has risen sharply recently, while core inflation — the central concern — has climbed from 2.0% at the start of 2026 to 2.5%. Rising house prices pose financial‑stability risks that support a higher policy rate, and strong exports mean the economy can tolerate tighter monetary policy.