Bank of Korea (BOK) Gov. Shin Hyun-song on Thursday reiterated the need to raise interest rates at an appropriate time, reinforcing expectations that the central bank could begin a rate-hiking cycle as early as next week's policy meeting. "Given that inflation remains above target, and considering improving economic growth and mounting financial stability risks, I believe it will be necessary to raise the base rate at an appropriate time," Shin said during a National Assembly meeting. He added that robust growth fueled by the semiconductor sector is expected to continue, while inflation is likely to remain above the BOK's target for a considerable period. "The timing of a rate hike will be determined after comprehensively assessing inflationary pressures and the pace of economic recovery," Shin said. The remarks were widely interpreted as his latest hawkish signal ahead of the Monetary Policy Board's rate-setting meeting scheduled for next Thursday. The central bank has kept its benchmark rate unchanged at 2.5 percent since May 2025. In recent months, the central bank chief has repeatedly