9개월래 최고 연체율 0.62%…개선 시점은 하반기, 왜

South Korea's bank loan delinquency rate reached a 9-month high of 0.62% in February, driven primarily by deteriorating credit conditions in SME and self-employed lending segments. While headline numbers appear concerning, underlying factors such as decreased debt restructuring activity and decelerating growth rates suggest the situation may not represent fundamental deterioration. Market consensus points toward potential improvement in the latter half of 2026, making proactive credit monitoring in vulnerable sectors critical for maintaining financial system stability.