Top financial officials' overseas trips spark concern ahead of June presidential election

Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Kim Byoung-hwan and Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) Gov. Lee Bok-hyun are facing growing controversy over their planned overseas trips as the country grapples with political and economic uncertainty ahead of an early presidential election on June 3, industry officials said Thursday. While some view the trips as a responsible move to address growing global risks, others argue the timing is inappropriate given the pressing domestic challenges. According to the FSC, the country’s top financial regulator, Kim is set to visit the United States for a seven-day trip starting Sunday to help Korean startups and venture companies secure funding abroad. During his trip, he will hold a meeting with bio venture capital professionals in Boston to assess the local venture investment ecosystem and its operations. He will also meet with senior officials from Blackstone and Morgan Stanley Capital International to discuss the Korean government’s initiatives to improve foreign exchange market accessibility, including the resumption of short selling and th