The South Korean government is intensifying discussions on specific tax incentives to increase the market value of local companies, planning to hold public hearings over the next two months. Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok stated that the government's Corporate Value-up Program aims to motivate listed firms to enhance their value and address the "Korea discount" issue, where Korean companies are perceived as undervalued. However, the release of a vague guideline lacking specific incentives has drawn criticism. The upcoming public hearings will cover various incentives, including separate taxation of dividend income, corporate tax credits for increased dividends, and the abolition of inheritance tax surcharges for major shareholders. Choi emphasized the need to balance effectiveness and fairness in providing incentives and mentioned that discussions on inheritance tax will be included in the hearings. Choi also addressed inquiries about the government's stance on the short selling ban, stating that regulatory enhancements are required to combat illegal practices before reintroducing short selling. He mentioned plans to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises by extending the period for receiving benefits and introducing additional measures to assist them post-extension. The government's economic policy vision, including these measures, will be unveiled in early June as part of the "dynamic economy road map." Additionally, Choi reiterated the government's positive outlook on inflation, expecting prices to stabilize in the second half of the year around the low to mid-2 percent range if there are no additional disruptions. Governor Lee Bok-hyun suggested that the short selling monitoring system's development could conclude in the first quarter of next year, potentially leading to a lift of the ban around that time.