Investigation: The Bank of Korea is expected to remain unchanged on Thursday.

The Bank of Korea may stand pat at its rate-setting meeting on Thursday. Among the 25 economists surveyed by the media, 24 expect the Bank of Korea to keep its policy rate unchanged at 2.50% for the eighth consecutive meeting. However, most economists suggest that, amid rising global oil prices due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, under the leadership of Governor Lee Ju-yeol, the bank may adopt a more hawkish tone to curb inflation. "At least one member of the committee may vote for a rate hike at the meeting," said Min Joo Kang, economist at ING. Most economists expect a rate hike in the third quarter.