The South Korea Financial Supervisory Service reported that preliminary net income across 52 insurance companies reached KRW 9.0138 trillion in the first half of 2026, up 13% from a year earlier. Life insurers’ net income rose 17.7% to KRW 3.9254 trillion, driven by higher interest and dividend income and gains on financial assets, despite weaker insurance income. Nonlife insurers’ net income increased 9.6% to KRW 5.0884 trillion as both investment and insurance income grew. Industry premium income increased 8.5% to KRW 134.9348 trillion, supported by protection-type insurance and retirement pensions at life insurers and growth across major nonlife segments. Return on assets edged up 0.04 percentage points to 1.28%, while return on equity fell 2.75 percentage points to 8.52%. Assets stood at KRW 1,467.9 trillion at end-June, with shareholders’ equity rising 51.1% to KRW 254.6 trillion. The Financial Supervisory Service will monitor risks to insurers’ earnings and financial stability amid uncertainty over interest rates, stock prices and exchange rates, and will direct companies to respond preemptively if risks materialize.
2026-08-27South Korea Financial Supervisory Service
South Korea Financial Supervisory Service reports insurers’ first-half net income rose 13% to KRW 9.0138 trillion
The South Korea Financial Supervisory Service reported that insurers’ preliminary first-half net income rose 13% to KRW 9.0138 trillion, supported by stronger investment results. Premium income increased 8.5% to KRW 134.9348 trillion, while return on equity fell to 8.52%. The regulator will monitor market risks and insurers’ financial soundness.