[Citi: Bank of Korea Expected to Raise Rates Next Week, 25 Basis Points Each Quarter in the Second Half of the Year] BlockBeats News, July 9, Citigroup economist Jin-Wook Kim stated that the Bank of Korea is expected to raise its benchmark interest rate from 2.50% to 2.75% at next week’s policy meeting and may signal a gradual rate hike approach. He predicts that the Bank of Korea governor will hint at raising rates by 25 basis points each quarter in the second half of 2026, while maintaining a data-dependent stance for the first half of 2027 without providing specific guidance. Citi expects the Bank of Korea to raise rates in July and October this year, and again in January and April next year. Kim added that the Bank of Korea may also emphasize that its 2026 growth forecast faces upside risks, citing the upward revision of first-quarter growth and resilient economic activity in the second quarter.