KRX Chmn. Jeong Insists Korean Stock Market Grow into Premium Market

The Korea Exchange held the 2026 Securities and Derivatives Market Opening Ceremony at its Seoul office building on Jan. 2, 2026. Chairman Jeong Eun-bo delivers his opening message. (Photo: KRX)

The Korea Exchange (KRX) held the 2026 Securities and Derivatives Market Opening Ceremony at its Seoul headquarters on Jan. 2.

“The KOSPI must overcome the Korea Discount and move toward a premium market,” said Jeong Eun-bo, chairman of the Korea Exchange in the opening ceremony.

“Last year, despite uncertain domestic conditions, the Korean capital market broke through a new milestone.” Jeong added.

“The KOSPI surpassed 4,000 points for the first time ever, and key indicators are improving, indicating that the Korean capital market is normalizing.”

“This is the result of the government’s capital market revitalization policy and the efforts of all market participants to ensure market soundness and protect shareholder value,” Jeong said.

“Our capital market must now move beyond the so-called ‘Korea Discount’ and become a premium market.”

“We will build a fair and trustworthy market, aiming for the KOSPI 5000 era,” Jeong continued.

“Securing investor trust is a fundamental condition for capital market development. We will establish an AI-based surveillance system and eradicate unfair trading practices, centered around a joint stock manipulation response team. We will strengthen the removal of insolvent companies to solidify market trust.”

“The KRX will actively support productive finance through the Korean capital market,” Jeong added.

“For the sustainable development of the Korean economy, fostering innovative companies and transforming Korea’s industrial structure are essential. We will support customized listings in the AI, energy, aerospace, and advanced strategic industries. We will also continue to pursue corporate value enhancement programs to ensure that fair prices are given to listed companies’ stocks.”

Jeong also proposed improving trading infrastructure as a measure to sharpen the Korean stock market’s competitiveness.

“The competitive environment in the global capital market is rapidly changing,” he said.

“To respond, the KRX will extend trading hours and gradually establish a 24-hour trading system.”

“To attract overseas investors to Korea, the KRX will enhance trading convenience,” Jeong continued.

“We will prepare for a digital financial transition and expand new products such as virtual assets, ETFs, and futures.”

“Despite challenging conditions, such as tariff uncertainties and global interest rate volatility in 2025, the Korean stock market demonstrated its resilience and ushered in the era of KOSPI 4000,” said Lee Eok-won, chairman of the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

“We hope that the KRX will completely eliminate the Korea Discount and usher in the era of the Korea Premium as an advanced market in 2026.”

“The Korean government plans to continuously pursue fundamental improvements to the Korean capital market, focusing on the four core principles of trust, shareholder protection, innovation, and a virtuous cycle,” Lee added.

Lee added in reference to market order. “the KRX will establish a transparent and fair market order at the global standard.”

“We will firmly establish a one-strike-out policy against unfair trading practices to ensure that stock price manipulation will not be tolerated and face harsh punishments. We will expand the enforcement capabilities of our joint response team.”

Enhancing shareholder value is also a top priority, according to Lee. “The KRX will create a market where respect for shareholder value is natural, not special,” he said.

“This year, we will further strengthen the protection of ordinary shareholders throughout the capital market.

We will strengthen shareholder protection during split listings and support the principled cancellation of treasury shares.

We will establish a system for monitoring compliance with the stewardship code and expand its scope to establish a culture in which ordinary shareholders fairly enjoy the fruits of corporate growth.”

“The KRX will create a dynamic capital market that drives innovation in future industries,” Lee said.

“We will ensure that the National Growth Fund fully supports cutting-edge businesses, and we will create outcomes that foster shared growth for both regions and the public through initiatives such as preferential support for local communities and the creation of citizen-participatory funds. We will expand and monitor the supply of venture capital from ultra-large investment banks to support the financial sector’s leadership in a productive financial role.”