[South Korean Retail Investors Borrow Money to Chase Market Gains, Personal Loans See Largest Increase in Five Years] Odaily Planet Daily News – According to the Korea Times, industry data shows that as South Korea's KOSPI index continues to break records, an increasing number of retail investors appear to be borrowing money to chase the market's rapid rise. As of last Thursday, the total outstanding personal credit loans from South Korea's five major banks reached 106.99 trillion won (approximately $70.98 billion). This marks the highest level since November 2023, when it stood at 107.72 trillion won. This growth is primarily driven by overdraft credit limits—locally referred to as "negative accounts"—which allow customers to borrow within a pre-approved limit. As of last Thursday, the outstanding balance of such credit tools reached 41.93 trillion won; this figure reflects the funds that have actually been withdrawn and used, rather than the total credit available to borrowers. (Jin10)