South Korea central bank's top seat caught in Moon-Yoon feud

Post remains empty as president-elect faces bitterly divided government

20220331N Bank of Korea REUTERS

The Bank of Korea is without a governor ahead of a monetary policy meeting on April 14. © Reuters

YOSUKE ONCHI, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- As a former senior official at the International Monetary Fund, Rhee Chang-yong seemed like a natural pick as chief of the Bank of Korea, South Korea's central bank. Instead, lawmakers have yet to hold a confirmation hearing, and the retirement of Gov. Lee Ju-yeol on Thursday has left a vacant seat at the top of the institution.

It is unknown whether Rhee will be confirmed in time for the next monetary policy board meeting scheduled for April 14. This unusual predicament can be traced to the political tug of war between outgoing President Moon Jae-in and President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.