Barclays economist Bum Ki Son stated that following the lower-than-expected growth in November, consumer inflation in South Korea may rebound in December. The potential inflation increase for two consecutive months could lead the Bank of Korea to pause interest rate cuts in January.

He expects the Bank of Korea to cut rates again in February, May, and October. The benchmark consumer price index in November rose 1.5% compared to the same period last year, higher than the 1.3% increase in October but lower than the market consensus median of 1.7%. This is still below the Bank of Korea's 2% annual inflation target. (Jinshi)