Hwang Seong-yeop, Chairman of the Financial Investment Association, will lead a delegation of Korean securities and asset management CEOs to Tokyo in November. The group will study Japan's value-up programs and stock market innovations. Approximately 10 CEOs have confirmed participation, marking the second overseas delegation since Hwang's appointment following an April trip to China and Singapore. The initiative responds to Korea's KOSPI index recording the highest rise among major global stock indices this year, with industry leaders seeking strategies to sustain long-term investor engagement and advance domestic capital markets through Japan's corporate value enhancement policies launched in 2023.
Korean Financial Delegation to Study Japan Value-Up Program in Tokyo
The November Tokyo visit will focus on Japan's value-up program as the primary study topic, according to sources on May 26. Japan implemented its value-up program in 2023 to raise the price-to-book ratio (PBR) of the TOPIX index and enhance shareholder value, thereby improving stock market credibility. Korea has adopted similar shareholder return policies requiring listed companies to strengthen disclosures through value-up programs, though industry observers note the need for greater activation compared to current implementation levels. The delegation plans to meet with the Japan Securities Association to introduce Korea's value-up challenges and discuss the background of Japan's stock market rise and the significance of value-up policies.
NISA Tax-Free Investment System Draws Industry Attention
Japan's tax-free small investment system (NISA) will serve as another key discussion topic during the visit. The newly reformed "New NISA" system exempts taxes on capital gains and dividends from stocks or funds purchased through dedicated accounts, receiving recognition for significantly expanding stock investment among Japan's younger generation. The delegation will examine how NISA contributed to retail investor participation growth in Japanese equities.
Semiconductor Innovation Firm Visits Under Consideration
CEOs are reviewing itineraries to directly visit Japanese semiconductor companies and other innovation firms, as artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor stocks have driven Japan's stock market performance. The consideration reflects the growing number of Korean retail investors in Japanese stocks (referred to as "Ilhakgaemi"), creating demand for new investment products targeting the Japanese market. The Financial Investment Association organizes annual NPK delegations for member firms to support global trend analysis and investment discovery opportunities, with participating CEOs included in the NPK delegation framework.
FAQ
What will Korean financial CEOs study during the November Tokyo visit?
The delegation led by Financial Investment Association Chairman Hwang Seong-yeop will study Japan's value-up program implemented in 2023 to raise TOPIX PBR and enhance shareholder value, the NISA tax-free investment system that expanded retail investor participation, and visit semiconductor innovation firms driving Japan's stock market performance.
Why are Korean financial leaders visiting Japan in November?
The visit responds to Korea's KOSPI index recording the highest rise among major global stock indices this year, with industry leaders seeking to develop long-term investor engagement strategies and capital market advancement solutions by examining Japan's corporate value enhancement policies and retail investment expansion mechanisms.
