Archive · 25 Jun 2025
MSCI Maintains South Korea's Emerging Market Status
MSCI, which classifies stock markets, did not move any countries from the 'emerging' to 'developed' category.
South Korea was not upgraded again.
This happened because it's still hard to exchange its money and some market rules are strict, even though there have been some changes.
A developed market needs easy currency exchange and open markets.
MSCI did not upgrade any country from Emerging to Developed Market.
South Korea was not upgraded, as in previous years.
Limited Won convertibility and investor ID system are barriers.
Recent reforms by Korea are deemed insufficient.
MSCI will evaluate impact of future reforms.
- Who
- MSCI.
- What
- MSCI did not reclassify any country from Emerging to Developed Market.
- When
- June 25, 2025, during Market Classification Review.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- Due to insufficient reforms in currency convertibility and market accessibility.
Speculation and Hopes
MSCI Assessment
Market Status
Speculation and Hopes
Anticipation for upgrade to Developed Market.
MSCI Assessment
MSCI's assessment based on market accessibility criteria.
- MSCI Decision
- No reclassification
- South Korea
- Remains Emerging Market
- Reason
- Limited currency convertibility, rigid investor ID
- Recent Actions
- Extended FX market hours
- Recurring Theme
- Annual speculation about South Korea's upgrade
