As the government emphasizes inclusive finance to support vulnerable groups, the banking sector's social contributions surpassed 2 trillion won last year. This increase is attributed to expanded spending on community public projects and financial support for low-income individuals.
According to the "2025 Bank Social Contribution Activity Report" published by the Korea Banking Association on May 28, the total amount of social contributions by banks reached 2.156 trillion won, an increase of 262.6 billion won (13.9%) from the previous year's 1.8934 trillion won.
The scale of social contributions in the banking sector was 351.4 billion won when first recorded in 2006. After surpassing 1 trillion won for the first time in 2019, contributions have steadily increased, achieving the 2 trillion won mark for the first time in six years.
Over the past five years, the banking sector's social contribution totals are as follows: 1.0617 trillion won in 2021, 1.238 trillion won in 2022, 1.6349 trillion won in 2023, 1.8934 trillion won in 2024, and 2.156 trillion won in 2025, amounting to a total of 7.984 trillion won.
By sector, the "community and public interest" category accounted for the largest share at 1.435 trillion won, or 66.6% of the total. This was followed by "financial support for the underprivileged" at 538.9 billion won (25.0%), "academic and educational" contributions at 73.9 billion won (3.4%), "cultural, artistic, and sports" contributions at 68.4 billion won (3.2%), "global" contributions at 29.2 billion won (1.3%), and "environmental" contributions at 10.6 billion won (0.5%).
The Korea Banking Association's report also includes a separate section on the "New Leap Fund." The banking sector contributed 360 billion won to this fund to help small businesses and vulnerable groups rebuild their foundations.
The New Leap Fund is a program that purchases non-performing loans of 50 million won or less that have been overdue for more than seven years, providing debt relief.
Cho Yong-byeong, chairman of the Korea Banking Association, stated, "I hope this report serves as a transparent and effective means to communicate the banking sector's commitment to social responsibility and genuine efforts to the public. We will lead positive changes in our society based on the values of coexistence and inclusivity."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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