South Korea’s K-ICS ratio fell 0.8 percentage points to 215.2% at the end of June after transitional measures were applied, according to data released by the Financial Supervisory Service on Sept. 16. The ratio compares available capital with required capital to assess insurers’ ability to absorb unexpected losses and pay claims. Life insurers’ ratio declined 0.7 points to 206.8%, while non-life insurers’ ratio rose 1.2 points to 230.9%. Available capital increased 22.2% to 380 trillion won, or about $278.2 billion, as net income and gains from higher share prices lifted accumulated other comprehensive income. Required capital rose 22.6% to 176.6 trillion won, or about $129.3 billion, as the stock-market rally increased equity price-fluctuation risk. Company-level results varied sharply: Samsung Life led the major life insurers on a pre-transitional-measure basis at 208.2%, while Samsung Fire & Marine led major non-life insurers at 282.8%. KDB Life and Fubon Hyundai Life had ratios below 80% before transitional relief. The FSS plans to scrutinize capital quality and risk management as core-capital K-ICS regulation takes effect next year.