Business · Economy · 8 hrs ago
Delinquent small-business loans in South Korea rise 21% in a year
Small-business loan arrears in South Korea rose 21% in a year.
The amount overdue on loans to individual business owners exceeded 16 trillion won after rising for three quarters in a row.
Nearly 500,000 businesses with loans had already closed.
The article links the increase to an economic slowdown that has cut sales.
Falling revenue makes it harder for owners to earn a profit while keeping up with loan payments.
More owners are struggling to repay their debts as these pressures combine.
Delinquent loans to South Korean small-business owners rose by more than 20% in a year, according to Chosun Ilbo.
The amount overdue exceeded 16 trillion won after rising for three consecutive quarters.
About 500,000 business sites that had taken out loans have already closed.
The article attributes the rising arrears to declining sales amid an economic slowdown and the growing burden of debt repayments.
- Who
- South Korean small-business owners who borrowed as individual business operators.
- What
- Their overdue loan amount rose by more than 20% in a year and exceeded 16 trillion won.
- When
- The rise was reported on November 9, 2026; the overdue amount had increased for three consecutive quarters.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- Falling sales during an economic slowdown weakened profitability while debt repayment burdens grew.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The overdue amount on individual business-operator loans increased for three quarters in a row.
Chosun Ilbo reported that the overdue amount had risen by more than 20% in a year and exceeded 16 trillion won.
- Annual increase
- More than 20%
- Overdue loan amount
- More than 16 trillion won
- Trend
- Increased for three consecutive quarters
- Closed loan-taking business sites
- About 500,000
- Reporting outlet
- Chosun Ilbo