Bank of Korea Hints at Potential Interest Rate Cut in Second Half if Inflation Cools

• Bank of Korea Governor opens door to potential interest rate cut later this year if inflation eases as expected • Removed "long" from previous pledge to keep rates high for a sufficiently long time, signaling room for rate cuts • Key will be May meeting when new economic forecasts are released that could shape policy direction • Still focused on fighting high inflation, but notes high household debt and strong exports provide cushion • One dissenter open to rate cut if necessary; Governor says can't rule out cut in second half if inflation at 2.3% target