Korea: What if? Strong Upside from Potential MSCI DM Reclassification and Narrowing of Valuation Discount

Korea’s potential reclassification as a developed market is gaining traction. The Finance Minister and Korea Exchange Chairman have publicly advocated changes that specifically address impediments to MSCI upgrading Korea to developed market (DM) status. Also, there appears to be broad political consensus for the upgrade initiative given the election platforms of the major presidential candidates.