Prime Minister Kim Min-seok expressed support on Monday for separating KOSDAQ from the Korea Exchange, saying the tech-heavy market needs institutional reforms similar to those implemented for KOSPI.
"KOSDAQ also needs changes and institutional improvements like KOSPI," Kim said during a parliamentary Q&A session on political, diplomatic, unification, and security affairs.
The remarks came in response to Rep. Park Ju-min, who asked whether KOSDAQ could reach the 3,000-point level if it gained operational independence.
The proposed spin-off would establish KOSDAQ as a separate legal entity under the Korea Exchange, with specialized listing, monitoring, and delisting systems tailored to growth and technology companies. Proponents argue the move would strengthen capital-raising and innovation functions through competition with KOSPI.
"I hope we can comprehensively evaluate proposals including Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon's bill, establish measures, and implement changes through legislation," the prime minister said.
Kim also commented on KOSPI reaching the 5,000 milestone, calling it "a positive development in that capital flows can now move toward destinations other than real estate."