The Bank of Korea (BOK) is widely expected to keep its benchmark interest rate at 3 percent at Thursday’s policy meeting, while maintaining a hawkish stance that leaves the door open to further hikes in November, market analysts said Sunday. Expectations of a pause emerged after BOK Gov. Shin Hyun-song highlighted the burden that rapid rate increases have imposed on vulnerable borrowers. Holding rates steady at the upcoming Monetary Policy Board meeting would give policymakers time to gauge the impact of the recent hikes on inflation, foreign exchange markets and household debt. Still, strong exports and improving incomes continue to fuel price pressures, suggesting the bank will maintain a hawkish stance and signal that further increases remain possible. The BOK raised its benchmark rate from 2.5 percent to 2.75 percent in July, followed by another increase to 3 percent in August, describing the back-to-back moves as “a preemptive response” to mounting inflationary pressures. “This time, the BOK is likely to pause and assess the effects of its previous rate increases,” said Jo