[South Korea's Central Bank Buys Gold Assets for the First Time in 13 Years, May Continue to Increase Holdings] BlockBeats News, on August 13, South Korea's central bank purchased gold-related assets for the first time in 13 years to hedge against geopolitical and economic uncertainties. According to a document submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as of the end of the second quarter, South Korea's central bank held 679,765 shares of SPDR Gold Shares, valued at approximately $250 million. The document shows that three months ago, the bank did not hold any shares of the world's largest physically-backed gold ETF. The central bank stated that this investment marks its first purchase of gold-linked assets since 2013. This purchase will not increase the bank's official gold reserves, as gold ETFs are classified as securities and are part of foreign exchange reserves. Hanwha Investment & Securities economist Choi Kyuho commented: 'The proportion of gold in South Korea's central bank portfolio is currently quite low. From the perspective of aligning with global standards, there is still room for South Korea's central bank to further purchase gold. I believe they will gradually increase their gold holdings.'