South Korea has achieved a significant milestone in the global economic arena by securing the world’s second-largest current account surplus among major economies in the second quarter of the year. According to data from the International Monetary Fund, available through the Bank of Korea, South Korea’s surplus amounted to US$116.63 billion between April and June. This figure places the country just behind China, which recorded a surplus of US$193.72 billion during the same period.
President Lee Jae Myung highlighted this achievement as a testament to South Korea’s growing influence in the global economy. He noted that the country’s surplus exceeded the combined figures of Germany and Japan, underscoring South Korea’s shifting role from merely following advanced economies to actively contributing to the global economic landscape.
President Lee attributed a significant portion of this economic success to the international performance of South Korean companies, particularly in the semiconductor industry. Semiconductors are crucial for the development of artificial intelligence technologies, an area where South Korea is making notable contributions.
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining this momentum, President Lee called for further strengthening of the country’s industrial competitiveness and enhancing its potential economic growth rate. He suggested that building on these achievements could further solidify South Korea’s position in the global market.