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A worker at KEB Hana Bank in central Seoul organizes US dollars on April 28, when the won-to-dollar exchange rate hit 1,272.5 won. (Yonhap News)

The South Korean economy faces an increased risk of stagflation during the second half of the year as it faces simultaneous rises in prices, interest rates, and the exchange rate, analysts are predicting.

On Sunday, the Hyundai Research Institute published a report on economic issues it expects Korea may face in the second half of 2022. In it, the authors observed, “With the Bank of Korea hinting at additional hikes in the benchmark interest rate as rising raw material prices increase the upward pressure on prices, [South Korea] is facing a triple threat with the high exchange rate [weak performance of the won] amid the US’ intensive austerity measures.”

Accordingly, they predicted a risk of stagflation — rising prices amid conditions of economic stagnation — or “slowflation,” in which prices rise amid conditions of low growth rather than economic recession.

South Korea has faced this kind of “triple high” situation twice since 2000, in the years 2001 and 2008–2009, and suffered an economic slowdown both times.

The institute predicted a strong possibility that the same combination of simultaneous pressures could cause the economic growth rate to fall during the second half of 2022. The reasons stem from the negative effects on domestic demand as high prices and interest rates translate into reduced consumption and a larger interest burden for households and companies.

While high exchange rates have a positive aspect in terms of boosting export competitiveness, they can also hurt the current account balance when rising prices of raw materials and other imports lead to increased inflation pressures and reduced trade.

China’s lockdown measures based on its “zero-COVID” policy approach are also expected to add to the upward pressures on import prices for South Korea, which is heavily reliant on trade with China.

With signs pointing to the Shanghai lockdown dragging on into the longer term, the possibility of Beijing and other major cities also going into lockdown has raised the risk of inflation stemming from supply chain shocks.

In terms of individual livelihoods, another danger is that the persistent “triple high” situation could deepen the polarization among households as it leads to rising prices for essential goods and a growing interest repayment burden.

In its report, the institute predicted that the damages would be “focused on vulnerable segments such as low earners and self-employed small business operators who face high interest repayment burdens and spend a high proportion of their earnings on essential living expenses.”

By Han Gwang-deok, finance correspondent

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]