South Korea’s Ministry of Economy & Finance published a readout of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Koo Yun-cheol’s 14 April meetings in New York with senior executives from Apollo Global Management, BlackRock and PIMCO, held alongside the Korea Economy Investment Briefing. The discussions covered Korea’s foreign exchange and capital market reform agenda and the government’s ‘physical AI’ policy direction, with the institutions expressing willingness to expand participation, investment and cooperation in the Korean market. Talks with Apollo’s Marc Rowan focused on capital market development and investment opportunities in AI infrastructure and advanced industries, as well as cooperation in areas including AI and data infrastructure, energy transition and power grids. In the meeting with BlackRock COO Rob Goldstein, the ministry highlighted its market-advancement agenda, including corporate value-up measures and a comprehensive roadmap for inclusion in the MSCI Developed Market Index dated 9 January, alongside expanded engagement with global investors; BlackRock assessed reform progress as rapid and flagged potential for improved investor access, while pointing to continued client-asset investment, partnership expansion and provision of its Aladdin platform. Discussions with PIMCO Vice Chairman John Studzinski addressed Korea’s WGBI inclusion and measures to increase foreign investment, with the ministry noting that WGBI inclusion began on 1 April and PIMCO referencing expected gains in market depth, liquidity and sustained foreign participation, as well as its investment in Korean government bonds and foreign-currency bonds issued by Korean government and corporates. The ministry indicated it would move quickly on any additional improvements needed to ensure post-inclusion investment procedures operate smoothly and would continue stepped-up communication with global investors at both working and senior levels.
Ministry of Economy & Finance (South Korea) 2026-04-15
South Korea’s Ministry of Economy & Finance meets Apollo, BlackRock and PIMCO in New York to discuss FX and capital market reforms, AI policy and WGBI inclusion
South Korea’s Ministry of Economy & Finance reported on Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol’s meetings in New York with senior executives from Apollo Global Management, BlackRock and PIMCO on foreign exchange and capital market reforms and the government’s “physical AI” policy. The firms signalled interest in expanding investment and cooperation in AI and data infrastructure, energy transition, and Korean government and foreign-currency bonds, while BlackRock and PIMCO highlighted Korea’s progress toward MSCI Developed Market Index and World Government Bond Index inclusion. The ministry said it would swiftly address any additional improvements needed for post-inclusion investment procedures and maintain engagement with global investors.