Yonhap News Summary

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.

■ (2nd LD) BOK chief vows proactive efforts to tame inflation

SEOUL -- The Bank of Korea (BOK) will make proactive efforts to tame inflation until it is convinced that inflation is clearly heading toward its target level, its governor said Wednesday.

"Consumer prices are expected to remain elevated for a significant period of time," BOK Gov. Shin Hyun-song made the remark during a press event. "It is expected to take some time for the energy supply chain to return to its pre-Middle East war levels and for global oil prices to stabilize."

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260617002952320?section=economy-finance/economy

SEOUL -- South Korean stocks extended their winning streak for the fifth consecutive session Wednesday on semiconductors to land at a new high, while investors remained cautious of the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate-setting meeting later this week.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 137.64 points, or 1.58 percent, to 8,864.24, inching closer to the 9,000-point mark.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260617006252320?section=economy-finance/finance

A person is seen inside the dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul on June 17, 2026. (Yonhap)

■ Lee to attend G7 summit sessions on global economic imbalances, AI emergence

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was set to attend an expanded session of the Group of Seven (G7) summit Wednesday in the French town of Evian to discuss global economic imbalances.

The second expanded session of the 2026 G7 summit will bring together leaders of G7 member countries, invited nations and the International Monetary Fund, among others, the South Korean presidential office said.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260617006800315?section=national/politics

■ (2nd LD) 18-month prison term sought for Seoul mayor on charges of accepting illegal funds

SEOUL -- A special counsel team on Wednesday sought an 18-month prison term for Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on charges of accepting illegal political funds in connection with opinion polls he received ahead of the mayoral by-election in 2021.

The team of special counsel Min Joong-ki also sought a forfeiture of 33 million won (US$21,800) at the Seoul Central District Court after indicting Oh in December on charges of violating the Political Funds Act.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260617006452315?section=national/national

SEOUL -- The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) was set to file election petitions with the elect