UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED
SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number: 811-04058
The Korea Fund, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
60 Victoria
Embankment, London, EC4Y 0JP
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
c/o Carmine Lekstutis
Chief Legal Officer,
JPMorgan, 4 New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: +44 207 742 3436
Date of fiscal year end: June 30
Date of reporting period: December 31, 2023
Beginning on January 1,
2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be
made available on the Funds website (www.thekoreafund.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect
to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling the Funds stockholder
servicing agent at (866) 706-0510.
If you prefer to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports after
January 1, 2021, direct investors may inform the Fund at any time by calling the Funds stockholder servicing agent at (866) 706-0510. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you should
contact your financial intermediary directly. Paper copies are provided free of charge and your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the fund complex if you invest directly with the Fund or all funds held in your
account if you invest through your financial intermediary.
Semi-Annual Report
December 31, 2023
This report contains the following two documents:
|
|
Chairmans Letter to Stockholders |
|
|
Semi-Annual Report to StockholdersDecember 31, 2023 |
The Korea Fund, Inc. Chairmans Letter to Stockholders
Dear fellow Stockholders
We have pleasure in providing the semi-annual report for The Korea Fund, Inc. covering the first half of its financial year 2023 - 2024, that is from July 1
2023 to end-December 2023 - otherwise referred to herein as the Period.
After the Korean stock market reached a 14-month high point in early August, the Period witnessed a sell off through mid-October followed by a rally back to the
August high in December. For the Period the Fund gained 6.98% in US dollar terms which compares with a 7.83% gain in the Funds benchmark, the MSCI Korea 25/50 NR Index. Through this Period, your Funds performance ranked first quartile in our
consultants peer group.
Over the initial three months of the Period the
strength of the electric vehicles (EV) sector was more than offset by the hesitancy of the consumer whilst through the second quarter a ban on new short selling by the Financial Services Commission of South Korea raised the level of
speculation particularly in the mid and smaller cap sectors which raised the index level back up to the levels of July 2023. Of special note must be the fact that recent month-on-month exports from Korea to the US have exceeded, for the first time
for 20 years, exports to China.
The initial three-year performance tender period for
the Fund culminates as at the end of June 2024. Whilst the end of December 2023 NAV performance for this tender lagged the benchmark by 57 basis points (BPs), the figure, as at February 14, 2024 NAV performance is 65 BPs
ahead of benchmark.
Your investment advisers review follows in which there is
a reference to encouraging intentions of both the government and private sectors to stimulate financial markets for greater wealth accumulation as well as to better protect the interests of minority stockholders. The Bank of Korea is forecasting
2024 GDP growth at 2.1% up from 2023s growth of 1.4% - led primarily by solid exports.
Numerous factors consume the time and attention of your Board but probably none more so than investment performance and fund expenses. Your Board constantly
strives to maintain expenses at the lowest possible levels: whilst expenses have been reduced somewhat over the recent years the decline in assets under management brought about by falling stock prices has had a greater and negative effect on
increasing the total expenses ratio (TER). The TER for fiscal 2023 stands at some 1.46%.
For some time, your Board has also been increasingly concerned with the lack of liquidity and free float as well as an unacceptable level of its stock discount,
relative to net asset value. In recent listen only mode discussions with stockholders we have endeavoured to best understand the desires of holders. Rest assured your Board will continue its search for a solution that will best provide
an outcome beneficial to all stockholders.
The Korea Fund, Inc. Chairmans Letter to Stockholders (continued)
Your Board has continued the Funds buy back policy in an endeavour to reduce the
share discount, albeit at a rate lower than the maximum permitted. In the Period the stock price relative to NAV has traded in the discount range of 12.7 to 21.7 percent and as at February 14, 2024 stood at 16.4%.
May we thank all stockholders for your support through the Period.
Yours very sincerely,
For and On Behalf of the Korea Fund, Inc.
Julian Reid
Chair
Semi-Annual Report
December 31, 2023
The Korea Fund, Inc. Investment
Advisers Report
December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
Overview
In the six months to December 31, 2023, the KOSPI index rose 3.5% to finish at 2,655. In USD terms, the index rose 6.0% as the Won strengthened in the final two
months of the year to create significant differences in the performance data reported in the local and foreign currencies. Over the calendar year 2023, the KOSPI index rose 18.7% in the local currency terms and 16.4% in USD.
The third quarter saw the index and KRW weaken on continued stress from the
higher-for-longer interest rate environment amid a disappointing performance for the Chinese economy. This reversed in the fourth quarter on the back of growing optimism over the dovish pivot by the US Federal Reserve.
During the six months period, few sectors dominated performance and gains were in a
narrow section of the market. A temporary ban on new short selling from the beginning of November 2023 additionally hindered price discovery. The third quarter saw electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain dominate with POSCO Holdings rising 61%.
The fourth quarter saw long duration stocks from healthcare and information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI) outperform on falling interest rates. Domestic economy facing companies underperformed throughout the six months as they
were subject to populist and anti-market stress from politicians ahead of Koreas legislative election due in April 2024.
Third and fourth quarter 2023 GDP rose 2.4% and 2.5% quarter on quarter, seasonally adjusted annual rate, respectively as exports contributed positively to
offset drags in domestic demand. Koreas monthly exports turned positive year on year during the fourth quarter on the back of strong IT exports led by semiconductors. On a monthly exports value basis, December 2023 exports to the US (+21%
year on year) recorded the highest value, beating China (-3%) for the first time in 20 yearshighlighting both the US economys continued strength and Chinas struggle.
Fund Performance
From July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, the total return of The Korea Fund, Inc. (the
Fund) returned 6.98%, underperforming the Funds benchmark, the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index (Total Return) Index by 0.85%.
Performance Attribution Review
Over the six-month review period the portfolios underperformance was due to stock selection.
At the sector level, underweighting the industrials sector and overweighting the IT
sector added the most value. The Biotech sector and overweight in the materials sector detracted value.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.31.23 | |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
|
1 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Investment
Advisers Report
December 31, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
At a stock level, the underweight position in EV battery supply chain contributed positively as concerns over slowing demand resulted in significant share price
correction in the fourth quarter. Hynix contributed positively on the back of a turnaround in demand for memory related products driven by the rising memory needs of Application Service Providers (ASP) and AI fueled High Bandwidth Memory demand. KB
Financial Group contributed on shareholder return commitment despite a forced contribution to the support package for small business borrowers.
At a stock level, the overweight position in LG Chem was the largest detractor. It was hurt by concerns over slow demand for chemicals and EV battery materials.
Not owning expensive biotechs like Celltrion and HLB took a significant toll on the performance in the fourth quarter. Their performances were fueled by the short sell ban and expectation on US Federal Reserves dovish pivot. Poor consumption
continued to hurt performances from our retail bets in BGF Retail and Hotel Shilla.
Market
Outlook
In January 2024, the heads of top regulatory agencies in the Korean
government along with various capital market leaders, announced their plans to come up with various measures to help Korean households create wealth through investment in financial assets. The plan calls for tax incentivesincluding possible
removal of capital gains tax which is set to be introduced from 2025 and Corporate Value-Up Program which seeks to imitate the Japans governance improvement program. The program plans to encourage companies to examine their chronic
low valuation and come up with remediesprodded by naming and shaming. In addition, the financial authorities plan to make supportive regulatory changes aimed at protecting rights of minority shareholders from bad governance
activities. While questions remain on the financial authorities commitment to the latest governance drive, there is no doubt on the rising demand for governance improvement from some 14 million individual investors who account for a third of
eligible voters in Korea.
The Bank of Korea expects 2024 GDP growth to improve to
2.1% from 2023s 1.4%thanks to solid exportsled by a tech upcycle, offsetting sluggish domestic consumption. The Bank of Korea is expected to maintain its restrictive monetary policy through the first half of 2024with the
market expecting the first rate cut in the third quarter of 2024.
While the
near-term outlook is clouded, with a slowing global economy and geopolitical uncertainties, we are constructive on the Korean equity market due to significant valuation merit with the market trading below book value and continued global
competitiveness for Korean manufactured goods assisted by favorable foreign exchange rates.
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
| 12.31.23 |
The Korea Fund, Inc.
Performance & Statistics
December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Return(1) |
|
6 Months |
|
|
1 Year |
|
|
5 Year |
|
|
10 Year |
|
Market Price |
|
|
1.12 |
% |
|
|
12.34 |
% |
|
|
0.88 |
% |
|
|
0.24 |
% |
Net Asset Value (NAV) |
|
|
6.98 |
% |
|
|
14.77 |
% |
|
|
0.86 |
% |
|
|
0.23 |
% |
MSCI Korea 25/50 Index (Total Return)(2) |
|
|
7.83 |
% |
|
|
20.91 |
% |
|
|
0.90 |
% |
|
|
0.27 |
% |
MSCI Korea Index (Total Return)(2) |
|
|
7.63 |
% |
|
|
23.16 |
% |
|
|
1.05 |
% |
|
|
0.31 |
% |
Fund Performance Line Graph(1)
Premium (Discount) to
NAV:
December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2023
Industry Breakdown (as a % of net assets):
|
|
|
|
|
Market Price/NAV: |
|
|
|
Market Price |
|
|
$23.40 |
|
NAV(3) |
|
|
$28.36 |
|
Discount to NAV |
|
|
17.49 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ten Largest Holdings (as a % of net assets): |
|
1. |
|
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. |
|
|
19.5 |
% |
2. |
|
SK Hynix, Inc. |
|
|
9.3 |
|
3. |
|
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (Preference) |
|
|
5.6 |
|
4. |
|
LG Chem Ltd. |
|
|
4.8 |
|
5. |
|
NAVER Corp. |
|
|
4.2 |
|
6. |
|
Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd. |
|
|
3.2 |
|
7. |
|
Hyundai Motor Co. (Preference) |
|
|
3.0 |
|
8. |
|
KB Financial Group, Inc. |
|
|
2.9 |
|
9. |
|
Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. Ltd. |
|
|
2.5 |
|
10. |
|
Samsung Biologics Co. Ltd. |
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.31.23 | |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
|
3 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Performance & Statistics
December 31, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
Notes to Performance & Statistics:
(1) |
|
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total return is calculated by determining the percentage change in NAV or market price (as applicable) in the specified period. The calculation assumes that all
dividends and distributions, if any, have been reinvested. Total return does not reflect broker commissions or sales charges in connection with the purchase or sale of Fund shares. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a
shareholder may pay on the receipt of distributions made by the Fund or on the proceeds of any sales of the Funds shares made by a shareholder. Total return for a period of more than one year represents the average annual total return.
|
|
|
Performance at market price will differ from results at NAV. Although market price returns typically reflect investment results over time, during shorter periods returns at market price can also be influenced by factors
such as changing views about the Fund, market conditions, supply and demand for the Funds shares, or changes in the Funds dividends. |
|
|
An investment in the Fund involves risk, including the loss of principal. Total return, market price and NAV will fluctuate with changes in market conditions. This data is provided for information purposes only and is
not intended for trading purposes. Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. There is a one-time public offering and once issued, shares of closed-end funds are traded in the open market through a stock exchange. NAV is
equal to total assets less total liabilities divided by the number of shares outstanding. Holdings are subject to change daily. |
(2) |
|
Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Korea Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of equity securities of companies domiciled in Korea. The index is designed to represent the performance of
the Korean stock market and excludes certain market segments unavailable to U.S. based investors. The MSCI Korea Index (Total Return) returns assume reinvestment of dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes) and, unlike Fund returns, do not
reflect any fees or expenses. Effective July 1, 2017, the Board approved The MSCI Korea 25/50 Index (Total Return) as the primary benchmark for the Fund. The MSCI Korea 25/50 Index (Total Return) is designed to measure the performance of the large
and mid cap segments of the Korean market. It applies certain investment limits that are imposed on regulated investment companies, or RICs, under the current US Internal Revenue Code. One requirement of a RIC is that at the end of each quarter of
its tax year no more than 25% of the value of the RICs total assets may be invested in a single issuer and the sum of the weights of all issuers representing more than 5% of the fund should not exceed 50% of the funds total assets. The
index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in Korea. The returns assume reinvestment of dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes) but do not reflect any fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly
in an index. Total Return for a period of more than one year represents the average annual return. |
(3) |
|
The NAV disclosed in the Funds financial statements may differ from this NAV due to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. |
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
| 12.31.23 |
The Korea Fund, Inc. Schedule of
Portfolio Investments
As of December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Investments |
|
Value ($) |
|
|
COMMON STOCKS98.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
Automobile Components4.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
33,300 |
|
|
Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
$ 1,170,390 |
|
|
23,850 |
|
|
Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd. |
|
|
4,369,631 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,540,021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Automobiles4.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
46,000 |
|
|
Hyundai Motor Co. (Preference) |
|
|
4,072,958 |
|
|
25,400 |
|
|
Kia Corp.* |
|
|
1,964,266 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,037,224 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banks5.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
87,500 |
|
|
Hana Financial Group, Inc. |
|
|
2,935,151 |
|
|
30,500 |
|
|
KakaoBank Corp.* |
|
|
671,602 |
|
|
96,600 |
|
|
KB Financial Group, Inc. |
|
|
4,030,326 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,637,079 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Biotechnology1.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
37,260 |
|
|
APRILBIO Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
485,964 |
|
|
14,500 |
|
|
Hugel, Inc.* |
|
|
1,677,855 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,163,819 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Markets2.3% |
|
|
|
|
|
23,300 |
|
|
KIWOOM Securities Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,792,846 |
|
|
30,300 |
|
|
Korea Investment Holdings Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,435,115 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,227,961 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chemicals11.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
34,800 |
|
|
DL Holdings Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,382,599 |
|
|
76,100 |
|
|
Dongsung Finetec Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
720,045 |
|
|
7,986 |
|
|
Hansol Chemical Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,399,733 |
|
|
12,700 |
|
|
Kumho Petrochemical Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,304,188 |
|
|
16,950 |
|
|
LG Chem Ltd.* |
|
|
6,519,368 |
|
|
7,700 |
|
|
Lotte Chemical Corp.* |
|
|
912,314 |
|
|
27,000 |
|
|
SK IE Technology Co. Ltd.*(a) |
|
|
1,642,816 |
|
|
18,400 |
|
|
SKC Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,286,645 |
|
|
2,900 |
|
|
Soulbrain Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
681,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,849,159 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail1.2% |
|
|
|
|
|
15,704 |
|
|
BGF retail Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,594,941 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components4.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
28,500 |
|
|
Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
3,376,586 |
|
|
7,200 |
|
|
Samsung SDI Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
2,621,454 |
|
|
8,680 |
|
|
SOLUM Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
183,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,181,683 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Entertainment2.7% |
|
|
|
|
|
8,750 |
|
|
NCSoft Corp.* |
|
|
1,627,426 |
|
|
44,252 |
|
|
Nexon Games Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
513,590 |
|
|
16,300 |
|
|
SM Entertainment Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,162,759 |
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
YG Entertainment, Inc.* |
|
|
473,489 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,777,264 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.31.23 | |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
|
5 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Schedule of Portfolio Investments
As of December 31, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Investments |
|
Value ($) |
|
|
|
|
|
Food Products2.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
7,550 |
|
|
CJ CheilJedang Corp. |
|
|
$ 1,894,938 |
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
Orion Corp.* |
|
|
1,615,322 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,510,260 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Equipment & Supplies0.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
Suheung Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
534,351 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Household Durables0.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
25,500 |
|
|
Coway Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,127,853 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industrial Conglomerates1.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
SK, Inc. |
|
|
2,271,210 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance2.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
76,900 |
|
|
Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,845,054 |
|
|
27,600 |
|
|
Samsung Life Insurance Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,476,579 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,321,633 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interactive Media & Services5.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
10,335 |
|
|
AfreecaTV Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
683,686 |
|
|
37,100 |
|
|
Kakao Corp.* |
|
|
1,556,334 |
|
|
33,500 |
|
|
NAVER Corp.* |
|
|
5,796,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,036,203 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life Sciences Tools & Services3.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
5,450 |
|
|
Samsung Biologics Co. Ltd.*(a) |
|
|
3,206,126 |
|
|
18,900 |
|
|
ST Pharm Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
991,726 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,197,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Machinery1.3% |
|
|
|
|
|
130,000 |
|
|
HSD Engine Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
985,663 |
|
|
36,500 |
|
|
Hy-Lok Corp.* |
|
|
753,269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,738,932 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Metals & Mining1.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
5,200 |
|
|
POSCO Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
1,999,352 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels2.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
16,300 |
|
|
SK Innovation Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,763,949 |
|
|
39,700 |
|
|
S-Oil Corp. |
|
|
2,137,761 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,901,710 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Passenger Airlines1.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
105,000 |
|
|
Korean Air Lines Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,939,883 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pharmaceuticals1.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
30,900 |
|
|
HK inno N Corp.* |
|
|
1,065,006 |
|
|
7,200 |
|
|
Yuhan Corp.* |
|
|
383,882 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,448,888 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Professional Services0.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
71,554 |
|
|
NICE Information Service Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
525,628 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment10.1% |
|
|
|
|
|
27,000 |
|
|
HAESUNG DS Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
1,152,784 |
|
|
117,000 |
|
|
SK Hynix, Inc. |
|
|
12,769,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,921,926 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
| 12.31.23 |
The Korea Fund, Inc. Schedule of
Portfolio Investments
As of December 31, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Investments |
|
Value ($) |
|
|
|
|
|
Specialty Retail1.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
19,800 |
|
|
Hotel Shilla Co. Ltd.* |
|
|
$ 1,001,893 |
|
|
103,984 |
|
|
K Car Co. Ltd. |
|
|
943,269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,945,162 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals24.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
440,500 |
|
|
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. |
|
|
26,736,959 |
|
|
158,000 |
|
|
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (Preference) |
|
|
7,613,468 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,350,427 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Common Stocks (Cost $102,962,073) |
|
|
136,780,421 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investments98.8% (Cost $102,962,073) |
|
|
136,780,421 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other Assets Less Liabilities1.2% |
|
|
1,591,778 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets100.0% |
|
|
$138,372,199 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentages indicated
are based on net assets.
Abbreviations
|
|
|
Preference |
|
A special type of equity investment that shares in the earnings of the company, has limited voting rights, and may have a dividend preference. Preference shares may also have liquidation preference. |
|
|
(a) |
|
Security exempt from registration pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Regulation S applies to securities offerings that are made outside of the United States and do not involve direct selling
efforts in the United States and as such may have restrictions on resale. |
|
|
* |
|
Non-income producing security. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 1 Quoted prices |
|
|
Level 2 Other significant observable inputs |
|
|
Level 3 Significant unobservable inputs |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investments in Securities (a) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
136,780,421 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
136,780,421 |
|
(a) |
|
Please refer to the schedule of portfolio investments for specifics of portfolio holdings. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements |
|
| 12.31.23 | |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
|
7 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
As of December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments, at value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$136,780,421 |
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
176,446 |
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency, at value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
542,609 |
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,345 |
|
|
|
|
Receivables: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment securities sold |
|
|
|
|
|
|
851,916 |
|
|
|
|
Dividends (net of withholding taxes) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
932,139 |
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
139,328,876 |
|
|
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payables: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment securities purchased |
|
|
|
|
|
|
737,452 |
|
|
|
|
Fund shares repurchased |
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,529 |
|
|
|
|
Accrued liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Management fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
78,470 |
|
|
|
|
Custodian, administrator and accounting agent fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,800 |
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,426 |
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
956,677 |
|
|
|
|
Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$138,372,199 |
|
|
|
|
Net Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Par value ($0.01 per share, applicable to $4,878,173 shares issued
and outstanding) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$48,782 |
|
|
|
|
Paid-in-capital in excess of par |
|
|
|
|
|
|
123,761,295 |
|
|
|
|
Total distributable earnings (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,562,122 |
|
|
|
|
Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$138,372,199 |
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$28.37 |
|
|
|
|
Cost of investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$102,962,073 |
|
|
|
|
Cost of foreign currency |
|
|
|
|
|
|
535,018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
| 12.31.23 | |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements |
The Korea Fund, Inc. Statement of
Operations
For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,545 |
|
|
|
|
Dividend income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,412,598 |
|
|
|
|
Foreign taxes withheld (net) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(236,726) |
|
|
|
|
Total investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,177,417 |
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Management (See Note 3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
454,055 |
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
Legal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
96,772 |
|
|
|
|
Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
124,852 |
|
|
|
|
Custodian, administrator and accounting agent fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,211 |
|
|
|
|
Insurance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,002 |
|
|
|
|
Audit and tax services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,912 |
|
|
|
|
Stockholder communications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,456 |
|
|
|
|
Transfer agent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,598 |
|
|
|
|
New York Stock Exchange listing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,250 |
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,535 |
|
|
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
958,644 |
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
218,773 |
|
|
|
|
Realized/Unrealized Gains (Losses): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain (loss) on transactions from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,499,467) |
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency transactions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,499,392) |
|
|
|
|
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,028,035 |
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,720 |
|
|
|
|
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,039,755 |
|
|
|
|
Net realized/unrealized gains (losses) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,540,363 |
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$8,759,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements |
|
| 12.31.23 | |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
|
9 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Statements of
Changes in Net Assets
For the Periods Indicated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended June 30, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$218,773 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$925,212 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,499,392) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,490,770) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,039,755 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,721,120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in net assets resulting from operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,759,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,155,562 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions to Stockholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributable earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,400,673) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return of capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(109,644) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total distributions to stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,510,317) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock Transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of shares repurchased |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,105,125) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,726,806) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in net assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,654,011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,081,561) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
130,718,188 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
142,799,749 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$138,372,199 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$130,718,188 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Activity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares outstanding, beginning of year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,929,184 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,003,506 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares repurchased |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(51,011) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(74,322) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares outstanding, end of year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,878,173 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,929,184 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
| 12.31.23 | |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements |
The Korea Fund, Inc. Financial
Highlights
For a share of stock outstanding throughout each period^:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
Year ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
2019 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
|
|
|
|
$26.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
$28.54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$54.37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$31.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$32.78 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$42.39 |
|
Investment Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (1) |
|
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) |
|
|
|
|
1.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
1.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(17.05 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.85 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4.76 |
) |
Total from investment operations |
|
|
|
|
1.80 |
|
|
|
|
|
1.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16.73 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.69 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4.54 |
) |
Dividends and Distributions to Stockholders from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.05 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.53 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.07 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
Net realized gains |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3.27 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7.06 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4.62 |
) |
Return of capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions to stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3.32 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9.11 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.53 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.07 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5.23 |
) |
Common Stock Transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion to net asset value resulting from share repurchases and
tender offer |
|
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
Net asset value, end of period |
|
|
|
|
$28.37 |
|
|
|
|
|
$26.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$28.54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$54.37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$31.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$32.78 |
|
Market price, end of period |
|
|
|
|
$23.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
$23.14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$24.35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$46.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$25.85 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$28.84 |
|
Total return: (2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value |
|
|
|
|
6.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
5.34 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(35.39 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
76.93 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4.96 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9.92 |
)% |
Market price |
|
|
|
|
1.12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
8.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(33.55 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
80.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10.15 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10.97 |
)% |
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000s) |
|
|
|
|
$138,372 |
|
|
|
|
|
$130,718 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$142,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$272,946 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$156,745 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$168,093 |
|
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
|
|
|
|
1.48 |
%(3) |
|
|
|
|
1.46 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.21 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.22 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.25 |
% |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
|
|
|
|
0.34 |
%(3) |
|
|
|
|
0.70 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.77 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.46 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
|
|
19 |
% |
|
|
|
|
37 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
81 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
% |
^ |
|
A may reflect actual amounts rounding to less than $0.01 or 0.01%. |
|
(1) |
|
Calculated on average common shares outstanding during the period. |
|
(2) |
|
Total return is calculated by subtracting the value of an investment in the Fund at the beginning of the specified period from the value at the end of the period and dividing the remainder by the value of the investment
at the beginning of the period and expressing the result as a percentage. The calculation assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, have been reinvested. Total return does not reflect broker commissions or sales charges in connection
with the purchase or sale of Fund shares. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on the receipt of distributions made by the Fund or on proceeds of any sales of the Funds shares made by a shareholder.
Total return on net asset value may reflect adjustments to conform to U.S. GAAP. Total investment return for a period of less than one year is not annualized. Performance at market price will differ from results at NAV. Although market price returns
typically reflect investment results over time, during shorter periods returns at market price can also be influenced by factors such as changing views about the Fund, market conditions, supply and demand for the Funds shares, or changes in
the Funds dividends. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements |
|
| 12.31.23 | |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
|
11 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Notes to Financial
Statements
December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
The Korea Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940
and the rules and regulations thereunder, as amended, as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company organized as a Maryland corporation, and
accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial ServicesInvestment Companies. JPMorgan
Asset Management (Asia Pacific) Limited (the Investment Adviser) serves as the Funds investment manager. The Fund has authorized 200 million shares of common stock with $0.01 par value. The Korea Fund has filed a notice under
the Commodity Exchange Act under Regulation 4.5 that The Korea Fund is operated by JPMorgan Asset Management (Asia Pacific) Limited, a registered investment adviser that has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term commodity
pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act and, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
The Funds investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation through investment
in securities, primarily equity securities, of Korean companies. There can be no assurance that the Fund will meet its stated objective.
The preparation of the Funds financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S.
GAAP) requires the Funds management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the Funds financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Like many other companies, the Funds organizational documents provide that its officers
(Officers) and the Board of Directors of the Fund (the Board or the Directors) are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. In addition, both in some of
its principal service contracts and in the normal course of its business, the Fund enters into contracts that provide indemnifications to other parties for certain types of losses or liabilities. The Directors maximum exposure under these
arrangements is unknown as this could involve future claims against the Fund.
The following
is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund:
(a)
Valuation of Investments
Portfolio securities and other financial instruments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value.
Market values for various types of securities and other instruments are determined on the basis of closing prices or last sales prices on an exchange or other market, or based on quotes or other market information obtained from quotation reporting
systems, established market makers or independent pricing services. For foreign equity securities (with certain exceptions, if any), the Fund fair values its securities daily using modeling tools provided by a statistical research service. This
service utilizes statistics and programs based on historical performance of markets and other economic data (which may include changes in the value of U.S. securities or security indices). Investments in mutual funds are valued at the net asset
value (NAV) as reported on each business day.
Portfolio securities and other
financial instruments for which market quotations are not readily available (including in cases where available market quotations are deemed to be unreliable), are fair valued, in good faith, under Rule 2a-5,
1940 Act, the Manager has been designated as valuation designee, pursuant to procedures established by the Board, or persons acting at their discretion (Valuation Committee) pursuant to procedures established by the Board.
The Funds investments are valued daily and the Funds NAV is calculated as of the close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open for business
using prices supplied by an independent pricing service or broker/dealer quotations, or by using the last sale or settlement price on the exchange that is the primary market for such securities, or the mean between the last bid and ask quotations.
In unusual circumstances, the Board or the Valuation Committee may in good faith determine the NAV as of 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, notwithstanding an earlier, unscheduled close or halt of trading on the NYSE.
Short-term investments having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost
unless the Board or its Valuation Committee determines that particular circumstances dictate otherwise.
Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to the U.S. dollar using exchange rates obtained from pricing services. As a result,
the NAV of the Funds shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may
be affected significantly on a day that the NYSE is closed.
The prices used by the Fund to
value securities may differ from the value that would be realized if the securities were sold and these differences could be material to the Funds financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
| 12.31.23 |
The Korea Fund, Inc. Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(b) Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the exit price) in an orderly
transaction between market participants. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
|
|
|
Level 1unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments that the Fund has the ability to access |
|
|
|
Level 2valuations based on other significant observable inputs, which may include, but are not limited to, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, interest rates, yield curves, volatilities,
prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates or other market corroborated inputs |
|
|
|
Level 3valuations based on significant unobservable inputs (including the Investment Advisers or Valuation Committees own assumptions and securities whose price was determined by using a single
brokers quote) |
The valuation techniques used by the Fund to measure fair
value during the year ended December 31, 2023 were intended to maximize the use of observable inputs and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
An investment assets or liabilitys level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level input, individually or in aggregate, that is significant
to the fair value measurement. The objective of fair value measurement remains the same even when there is a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability and regardless of the valuation techniques used.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the
risk associated with investing in those securities. The following are certain inputs and techniques that the Fund generally uses to evaluate how to classify each major category of assets and liabilities within Level 2 and Level 3, in
accordance with U.S. GAAP.
An asset or liability for which market values cannot be measured
using the methodologies described above is valued by methods deemed reasonable in good faith by the Valuation Committee, following the procedures established by the Board, to represent fair value. Under these procedures, the Fund generally uses a
market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values and other relevant information. Fair value determinations involve the consideration of a number of subjective
factors, an analysis of applicable facts and circumstances and the exercise of judgment. As a result, it is possible that the fair value for a security determined in good faith in accordance with the Funds valuation procedures may differ from
valuations for the same security determined by other funds using their own valuation procedures. Although the Funds valuation procedures are designed to value a security at the price the Fund may reasonably expect to receive upon the
securitys sale in an orderly transaction, there can be no assurance that any fair value determination thereunder would, in fact, approximate the amount that the Fund would actually realize upon the sale of the security or the price at which
the security would trade if a reliable market price were readily available.
Equity
Securities (Common and Preferred Stock)Equity securities traded in inactive markets and certain foreign equity securities are valued using inputs which include broker-dealer quotes, recently executed transactions adjusted for changes in
the benchmark index, or evaluated price quotes received from independent pricing services that take into account the integrity of the market sector and issuer, the individual characteristics of the security, and information received from
broker-dealers and other market sources pertaining to the issuer or security. To the extent that these inputs are observable, the values of equity securities are categorized as Level 2. To the extent that these inputs are unobservable, the
values are categorized as Level 3.
(c) Investment Transactions and Investment Income
Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on an identified cost basis. Interest income
on uninvested cash is recorded upon receipt. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Korean-based corporations have generally adopted calendar year-ends, and their interim and final corporate
actions are normally approved, finalized and announced by their boards of directors and stockholders in the first and third quarters of each calendar year. Generally, estimates of their dividends are accrued on the
ex-dividend date principally in the prior December and/or June period ends. These dividend announcements are recorded by the Fund on such ex-dividend dates. Any
subsequent adjustments thereto by Korean corporations are recorded when announced. Presently, dividend income from Korean equity investments is earned primarily in the last calendar quarter of each year, and will be received primarily in the first
calendar quarter of the following year. Certain other dividends and related withholding taxes, if applicable, from Korean securities may be recorded subsequent to the ex-dividend date as soon as the Fund is
informed of such dividends and taxes. Dividend and interest income on the Statement of Operations are shown net of any foreign taxes withheld on income from foreign securities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.31.23 | |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
|
13 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(d) Federal Income Taxes
The Fund intends to distribute all of its taxable income and to comply with the other requirements of Subchapter M of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes is required. The Fund may be subject to excise tax based on distributions to stockholders.
Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes establishes for all entities, including pass-through
entities such as the Fund, a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of positions taken in filing tax returns (including whether an entity is taxable in a particular jurisdiction), and requires certain expanded tax
disclosures. In accordance with provisions set forth under U.S. GAAP, the Investment Adviser has reviewed the Funds tax positions for all open tax years.
As of December 31, 2023, the Fund has recorded no liability for net unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain income tax positions they have taken. The
Funds U.S. federal income tax returns for the prior three years, as applicable, remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
(e) Foreign Investment and Exchange Controls in Korea
The Foreign Exchange
Transaction Act, the Presidential Decree relating to such Act and the regulations of the Minister of Strategy and Finance (formerly known as Minister of Finance and Economy) issued thereunder impose certain limitations and controls which generally
affect foreign investors in Korea. Through August 18, 2005, the Fund had a license from the Ministry of Finance and Economy to invest in Korean securities and to repatriate income received from dividends and interest earned on, and net realized
capital gains from, its investments in Korean securities or to repatriate from investment principal up to 10% of the NAV (taken at current value) of the Fund (except upon termination of the Fund, or for expenses in excess of Fund income, in which
case the foregoing restriction shall not apply). Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act, the Minister of Strategy and Finance has the power, with prior (posterior in case of urgency) public notice of scope and duration, to suspend all or a part
of foreign exchange transactions when emergency measures are deemed necessary in case of radical change in the international or domestic economic situation. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or the refusal to grant, any required
governmental approval for such transactions.
The Fund relinquished its license from the
Korean Ministry of Finance and Economy effective August 19, 2005. The Fund had engaged in negotiations with the Korean Ministry of Finance and Economy concerning the feasibility of the Funds license being amended to allow the Fund to
repatriate more than 10% of Fund capital. However, the Ministry of Finance and Economy advised the Fund that the license cannot be amended as a result of a change in the Korean regulations. As a result of the relinquishment of the license, the Fund
is subject to the Korean securities transaction tax equal to 0.20%of the fair market value of any portfolio securities transferred by the Fund on the Korea Exchange and 0.35% of the fair market value of any portfolio securities transferred outside
of the Korea Exchange. The relinquishment did not otherwise affect the Funds operations. For the six months ended December 31, 2023, the Fund incurred $53,700 in transaction taxes in connection with portfolio securities transferred by the
Fund on the Korea Exchange. These transaction costs are not accrued and are accounted for on a paid basis only. The transaction tax is levied as a percentage of the fair market value at the time of disposal and is deducted from the sale proceeds so
the Fund receives the net proceeds only. No accrual for this transaction tax is included in the fair market value price used to value each security on a daily basis. Net realized gain (loss) on investments on the Statement of Operations is shown net
of the transaction taxes incurred by the Fund.
Certain securities held by the Fund may be
subject to aggregate or individual foreign ownership limits. These holdings are in industries that are deemed to be of national importance.
(f) Dividends and Distributions
The Fund declares dividends from net investment
income and distributions of net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. The Fund records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. The amount of dividends from net investment income and
distributions from net realized capital gains is determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These book-tax differences are considered either
temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal income tax treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification.
To the extent dividends and/or distributions exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes, they are reported as dividends and/or distributions to stockholders from return of capital.
(g) Foreign Currency Translation
The Funds accounting records are maintained in U.S. dollars as follows: (1) the foreign currency market values of investments and other assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rate at the end of the period; and (2) purchases and sales, income and expenses are translated at the prevailing exchange rate on the respective dates of such
transactions. The resulting net foreign currency gain (loss) is included in the Funds Statement of Operations.
|
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
| 12.31.23 |
The Korea Fund, Inc. Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
The Fund does not generally isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result
of changes in foreign currency exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities. Accordingly, such foreign currency gain (loss) is included in net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments.
However, the Fund does isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates when determining the gain (loss) upon the sale or maturity of foreign currency denominated debt obligations pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations;
such amount is categorized as foreign currency gain (loss) for both financial reporting and income tax reporting purposes.
At December 31, 2023, the Korean WON (W)/U.S. dollar ($) exchange rate was W 1,288.10 to $1.
(h) Securities Lending
The Fund may engage in securities lending in order to generate additional income. The Fund is able to lend to approved borrowers. Goldman Sachs Bank USA (Goldman
Sachs) serves as lending agent for the Fund, pursuant to a Securities Lending Agency Agreement (the Securities Lending Agency Agreement). Securities loaned are collateralized by cash equal to at least 100% of the market value of
the loaned securities, which is invested in shares of the Goldman Sachs Financial Square Government Fund. During the term of the loan, the Fund will continue to receive any dividends or amounts equivalent thereto, on the loaned securities while
receiving a fee from the borrower and/or earning interest on the investment of the cash collateral. Securities lending income is disclosed as such in the Statement of Operations. Income generated from the investment of cash collateral, less
negotiated rebate fees paid to borrowers and transaction costs, is allocated between the Fund and securities lending agent. Cash collateral received for securities on loan is invested in securities identified in the Schedule of Investments and the
corresponding liability is recognized as such in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the borrower or the Fund. Under the Securities Lending Agency Agreement, Goldman Sachs marks to market the
loaned securities on a daily basis. In the event the cash received from the borrower is less than 105% of the value of the loaned securities (102% for U.S. securities), Goldman Sachs requests additional cash from the borrower so as to maintain a
collateralization level of at least 105% of the value of the loaned securities plus accrued interest (102% for U.S. securities), subject to certain de minimus amounts.
Upon termination of the loan, the borrower will return to the lender securities identical to the loaned securities. The Fund may pay reasonable finders,
administration and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities and may share the interest earned on the collateral with the borrower. The Fund bears the risk of delay in recovery of, or even loss of rights in, the securities loaned
should the borrower of the securities fail financially. The Fund also bears the risk of loss in the event the securities purchased with cash collateral depreciate in value.
The Fund did not have any securities on loan at December 31, 2023.
2. Principal Risks
In the normal course of business, the Fund trades financial
instruments and enters into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists due to, among other things, changes in the market (market risk) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (counterparty risk). The Fund is also
exposed to other risks such as, but not limited to, foreign currency risk.
To the extent
the Fund directly invests in foreign currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, foreign currencies, or in derivatives that provide exposure to foreign currencies, it will be subject to the risk that those currencies will
decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedging positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods
of time for a number of reasons, including economic growth, inflation, changes in interest rates, intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities such as the International Monetary
Fund, or the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the United States or abroad. As a result, the Funds investments in foreign currency-denominated securities may reduce the returns of the Fund. The local emerging
market currencies in which the Fund may be invested may experience substantially greater volatility against the U.S. dollar than the major convertible currencies in developed countries.
The Fund is subject to elements of risk not typically associated with investments in the U.S., due
to concentrated investments in foreign issuers located in a specific country or region. Such concentrations will subject the Fund to additional risks resulting from future political or economic conditions in such country or region and the possible
imposition of adverse governmental laws or currency exchange restrictions affecting such country or region, which could cause the securities and their markets to be less liquid and prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies.
The Fund may be subject to increased risk to the extent it allocates assets among investment
styles and certain styles under-perform relative to other investment styles.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.31.23 | |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
|
15 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
2. Principal Risks (continued)
The market values of securities may decline due to general market conditions (market risk) which
are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, adverse changes to credit markets or adverse
investor sentiment. They may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. Equity securities and equity-related
investments generally have greater market price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. Credit ratings downgrades may also negatively
affect securities held by the Fund. Even when markets perform well, there is no assurance that the investments held by the Fund will increase in value along with the broader market. In addition, market risk includes the risk that local, regional or
global events, including geopolitical and other events may disrupt the economy on a national or global level. For example, events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other
events could have a significant impact on the economy or the markets for financial instruments and, as a result, could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. As a further example, an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a
novel coronavirus designated as COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread globally, being designated as a pandemic in early 2020. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted in, among other things, border closings and other significant travel restrictions and disruptions; mandatory stay-at-home and work-from-home orders in numerous countries, including the United States; significant disruptions to business operations, supply chains and customer activity, as well as mandatory business
closures; lower consumer demand for goods and services; event cancellations and restrictions; cancellations, reductions and other changes in services; significant challenges in healthcare service preparation and delivery; public gathering
limitations and prolonged quarantines; and general concern and uncertainty. These effects have exacerbated the significant risks inherent in market investments, and the COVID-19 pandemic has meaningfully
disrupted the global economy and markets, causing market losses across a range of asset classes, as well as both heightened market volatility and increased illiquidity for trading. Although the long-term economic fallout of COVID-19 is difficult to predict, it has the potential to continue to have ongoing material adverse effects on the global economy, the economies of individual countries, and the financial performance of individual
issuers, sectors, industries, asset classes, and markets in significant and unforeseen ways. Health crises caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 may also exacerbate other
pre-existing political, social, economic, market and financial risks. The effects of the outbreak in developing or emerging market countries may be greater due to less established health care systems. The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects may last for an extended period of time, result in significant market volatility, exchange trading suspensions and closures, declines in global financial markets, higher default
rates, and a substantial economic downturn or recession. Furthermore, the ability of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates to operate effectively, including the ability of personnel to function, communicate and travel to the extent necessary to
carry out the Funds investment strategies and objectives, may be materially impaired. All of the foregoing could impair Funds ability to maintain operational standards (such as with respect to satisfying redemption requests), disrupt the
operations of the Funds service providers, adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds investments, and negatively impact the Funds performance and your investment in the respective Fund.
The Fund is exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an institution or other entity with
which the Fund has unsettled or open transactions will default. The potential loss to the Fund could exceed the value of the financial assets recorded in the Funds financial statements. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Fund to
counterparty risk, consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Investment Adviser seeks to minimize the Funds counterparty risk by performing reviews of each counterparty and by minimizing concentration of
counterparty risk by undertaking transactions with multiple customers and counterparties on recognized and reputable exchanges. Delivery of securities sold is only made once the Fund has received payment. Payment is made on a purchase once the
securities have been delivered by the counterparty. The trade will fail if either party fails to meet its obligation.
3. Investment Adviser
The Fund has an Investment Advisory Agreement (the
Advisory Agreement) with the Investment Adviser. Subject to the supervision of the Funds Board, the Investment Adviser is responsible for managing, either directly or through others selected by it, the Funds investment
activities, business affairs, and other administrative matters. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the investment adviser receives an annual fee, payable monthly, at the annual rate of 0.70% of the value of the Funds average daily net
assets up to $250 million and 0.65% of average daily net assets in excess of $250 million.
4. Related Party, Other Service Provider Transactions and Directors
JPMorgan
Asset Management (Asia Pacific) Limited (the Investment Adviser), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPMorgan) provides investment advisory services to the Fund under the terms of an
investment advisory agreement. See Section 3 Investment Adviser of this report for details of the fee relating to that agreement.
|
|
|
|
|
16 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
| 12.31.23 |
The Korea Fund, Inc. Notes to Financial
Statements
December 31, 2023 (unaudited) (continued)
4. Related Party, Other Service Provider Transactions and Directors (continued)
During the year ended December, 2023, the Fund did not pay any brokerage commissions to JPMorgan companies or affiliated brokers/dealers.
(a) Related Party, Other Service Provider Transactions
Pursuant to an Administration Agreement, JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. (JPMCB) (the Administrator), an affiliate of JPMorgan Asset Management (Asia
Pacific) Limited (the Investment Adviser) provides certain administration services to the Fund. In consideration of these services, the Administrator receives a fee accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of $78,000.
Pursuant to a Global Custody Agreement, JPMCB also provides portfolio custody and accounting
services to the Fund. For performing these services, the Fund pays JPMCB transaction and asset-based fees that vary according to the number of transactions and positions, plus
out-of-pocket expenses. The accounting fee is subject to a minimum annual fee of $20,000. The amounts paid directly to JPMCB by the Fund for administration, custody and
accounting services are included in Custodian, administrator and accounting agent fees on the Statement of Operations.
Pursuant to a Services Agreement, JPMorgan Funds Limited (JPMFL), an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, provides various services (including fund
secretarial and administration services) for the Fund. JPMFL receives no compensation from the Fund for these services, JPMFL receives its fee from its affiliate, JPMorgan Asset Management (Asia Pacific) Limited in the form of an intercompany
credit.
(b) Directors
The Fund pays each of its Directors who is not a director, officer or employee of the Advisor, Administrator or any affiliate thereof, an annual fee of $56,000, the Audit
Committee Chairman $64,000 and the Chairman $70,000 which includes a $2,500 attendance fee. Per Special In-Person Meeting a fee of $3,000 is payable or $1,000 per special Board meeting attended telephonically.
In addition, each director is eligible to receive a per diem fee of $2,000 per day, or pro-rated fee for a lessor period, as compensation for taking on special assignments. Such special assignments must be
approved in advance by the Governance, Nominating and Remuneration Committee, except that special assignments for which compensation will be less than $5,000 may be approved in advance by the Chairman of the Governance, Nominating and Remuneration
Committee. A report regarding compensation for such assignments will be provided to the full Governance, Nominating and Remuneration Committee at their next regular meeting.
5. Investments in Securities
For the six months ended December 31, 2023, purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term securities were $24,785,971 and $26,339,503, respectively.
6. Income Tax Information
At December 31, 2023, the cost basis of portfolio securities for federal income tax purposes was $102,962,073. Gross unrealized appreciation was $43,477,872 gross
unrealized depreciation was $9,659,524; and net unrealized appreciation was $33,818,348.
7. Discount Management Program
The Fund has a share repurchase program under
which the Fund will repurchase in each twelve month period ended June 30, up to 10% of its common stock outstanding as of the close of business on June 30 the prior year. The shares are permitted to be repurchased at differing trigger
levels without announcement. The Fund will repurchase shares at a discount, in accordance with procedures approved by the Board. Subject to these procedures, the timing and amount of any shares repurchased will be determined by the Board and/or its
Discount Management Committee in consultation with the Investment Adviser.
For the six months
ended December 31, 2023, the Fund repurchased 51,011 shares of its common stock on the open market, which represented 1.03% of the shares outstanding at June 30, 2023 at a total cost, inclusive of commissions (charged on a tiered rate
basis), of $1,105,125 at a per-share weighted average discount to NAV of 17.61%. For the year ended June 30, 2023, the Fund repurchased 74,322 shares of its common stock on the open market, which
represented 1.49% of the shares outstanding at June 30, 2022 at a total cost, inclusive of commissions (charged on a tiered rate basis), of $1,726,806 at a per-share weighted average discount to NAV of
14.68%.
8. Fund Ownership
At December 31, 2023, the City of London Investment Group PLC, Lazard Asset Management LLC, 1607 Capital Partners LLC, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC and
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust held approximately 36%, 15%, 9%, 8% and 7%, respectively, of the Funds outstanding shares. Investment activities of these stockholders could have a material impact to the Fund.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.31.23 | |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
|
17 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Annual Stockholder
Meeting Results/ Changes to the
Board of Directors/ Proxy Voting Policies & Procedures (unaudited)
Annual Stockholder Meeting Results
The Fund held its annual meeting of stockholders on October 26, 2023. Stockholders voted as
indicated below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affirmative |
|
Against |
|
|
Abstain |
|
Re-election Mr. Matthew J. Sippel who serves as a Class II
Director |
|
4,014,280 |
|
|
218,387 |
|
|
|
13,630 |
|
Mr. Julian MI. Reid,
who serves as a Class I Director, Madam Yan Hu, who serves as a Class III Director and Mr. Richard A. Silver, who serves as a Class III Director continue to serve as Directors of the Fund.
Proxy Voting Policies & Procedures:
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund has adopted to determine how to vote
proxies relating to portfolio securities and information about how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by
calling the Funds stockholder servicing agent at (866) 706-0510; (ii) on the Funds website at www.thekoreafund.com; and (iii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
| 12.31.23 |
The Korea Fund, Inc. Privacy Policy
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
FACTS |
|
WHAT DOES THE KOREA FUND, INC. DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? |
Why? |
|
Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all
sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do. |
What? |
|
The types of personal information we collect and share
depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:
∎ Social Security number and account balances
∎ transaction history and account transactions
∎ checking account information and wire transfer
instructions When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. |
How? |
|
All financial companies need to share customers personal information to run their everyday
business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers personal information; the reasons The Korea Fund, Inc. chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reasons we can share your personal information |
|
Does The Korea Fund, Inc. share? |
|
Can you limit this sharing? |
For our everyday business purposes
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus |
|
YES |
|
NO |
For marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you |
|
YES |
|
NO |
For joint marketing with other financial companies |
|
NO |
|
WE DONT SHARE |
For our affiliates everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences |
|
NO |
|
WE DONT SHARE |
For our affiliates everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness |
|
NO |
|
WE DONT SHARE |
For nonaffiliates to market to you |
|
NO |
|
WE DONT SHARE |
|
|
|
|
|
QUESTIONS? |
|
Call
1-866-706-0510 or go to www.thekoreafund.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.31.23 | |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
|
19 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Privacy Policy (unaudited) (continued)
|
|
|
|
Who we
are |
Who is providing this notice? |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
What we
do |
How does The Korea Fund, Inc. protect my personal information? |
|
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These
measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. We authorize our employees to access your information only when they need it to do their work and we require companies that work for us to protect your information. |
How does The Korea Fund, Inc. collect my personal information? |
|
We collect your personal information, for example,
when you: ∎ open an account or provide account
information ∎ give us your contact information or pay us
by check ∎ make wire transaction
We also collect your personal information from others such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other
companies. |
Why cant I limit all sharing? |
|
Federal law gives you the right to limit only
∎ sharing for affiliates everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness
∎ affiliates from using your information to market to you
∎ sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you
State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing. |
|
|
|
|
Definitions
|
Affiliates |
|
Companies related by common ownership or control.
They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
∎ The Korea Fund, Inc. does
not share with affiliates. |
Nonaffiliates |
|
Companies not related by common ownership or
control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
∎ The Korea Fund, Inc. does
not share with nonaffiliates so that they can market to you. |
Joint marketing |
|
A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial
companies that together market financial products or services to you.
∎ The
Korea Fund, Inc. does not jointly market. |
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
| 12.31.23 |
The Korea Fund, Inc. Matters Relating
to the Directors Consideration of the
Investment Advisory Agreement
The Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) requires that both the full Board of Directors and a majority of the Directors of the Fund who are not
interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund (the Independent Directors), voting separately, annually approve the continuation of the Funds investment advisory agreement (the Agreement) with
the Investment Adviser. The Funds Board is comprised of four Directors, all of whom are Independent Directors. At an in-person meeting, the Board approved the continuation of the Agreement for an
additional one-year term commencing January 1, 2024, and held additional meetings to consider various aspects of the information provided by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates in connection with
their review, as summarized below (together, the Review Meetings). The Board approved the continuation of the Agreement at the recommendation of the Boards Contracts Committee, which is comprised of all four Independent Directors,
and which met separately from management in connection with the Review Meetings. Throughout the Boards process for considering the proposed continuation of the Agreement, the Directors received legal advice from legal counsel that is
experienced in 1940 Act matters, and with whom they met separately throughout the process.
The Agreement took effect for an initial two-year term on January 1, 2021, in connection with a transition (the
JPMorgan Transition) of the Funds day-to-day portfolio management, administration, fund accounting, custody and other services from the Funds
prior investment manager to the Investment Adviser and various of its affiliates (Other JPMorgan Entities and, together with the Investment Adviser, JPMorgan). The Agreement was initially approved by the Board and the
Funds stockholders in connection with the JPMorgan Transition. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Investment Adviser provides the day-to-day portfolio management
services required by the Fund and receives in return an annual fee, payable monthly, at the annual rate of 0.70% of the value of the Funds average daily net assets up to $250 million and 0.65% of average daily net assets in excess of
$250 million. In connection with the JPMorgan Transition, the Board also unanimously approved (i) a Services Agreement between the Fund and JPMorgan Funds Limited (JPMFL), pursuant to which JPMFL provides or procures
compliance, legal, recordkeeping, service provider oversight and other administrative services for the Fund, including the provision of personnel of JPMFL or its affiliates to serve as officers of the Fund, (ii) a Fund Administrative Services
Agreement between the Fund and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMorgan Chase), pursuant to which JPMorgan Chase provides fund accounting, financial regulatory and reporting, treasury, tax, compliance reporting and other administrative
services for the Fund, and (iii) a Global Custody Agreement between the Fund and JPMorgan Chase, pursuant to which JPMorgan Chase serves as custodian and provides related services on behalf of the Fund (together, the Other JPMorgan
Agreements). The Board also approved a Fee Agreement with JPMorgan setting forth fees and expenses to be paid or reimbursed to JPMorgan Chase for fund accounting and other administrative services and custody services under the Fund
Administrative Services Agreement and Global Custody Agreement and an expense limitation arrangement (the Expense Limitation) pursuant to which the Investment Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of its investment advisory fee and/or
pay expenses of the Fund such that, for a three-year period following the initial effectiveness of the Agreement, the Funds fees and expenses for administrative services provided by the prior investment manager will not exceed $78,000 per
annum and fees and expense for fund accounting services provided by the prior investment manager will not exceed $20,000 per annum.
In connection with the JPMorgan Transition, the Board also adopted a policy pursuant to which it will cause the Fund to conduct an issuer tender offer for up to
twenty-five percent (25%) of its then issued and outstanding shares of common stock on or before September 30, 2024, and thereafter on each third year anniversary, if the Funds total return investment performance measured on a net asset
value basis does not equal or exceed the total return investment performance of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index (as described and measured in the Funds June 30, 2020 annual shareholder report) during the period commencing on April 1, 2021
and ending on June 30, 2024 (and for three-year testing periods thereafter). The Directors may not terminate or amend the policy without shareholder approval. However, the size of any such tender offer (up to twenty-five percent (25%)), the
price at which shares are to be tendered and other terms and conditions of such tender offer would be determined by the Board in its discretion based on its review and consideration of the then-current size of the Fund, market conditions and other
factors it deems relevant.
Prior to the Review Meetings, on behalf of the Directors, Fund
counsel provided a written request for information from the Investment Adviser and other applicable JPMorgan Entities to provide all information as may reasonably be necessary for the Directors to evaluate the terms of the Agreement and its proposed
continuation. In response to this request, the Board received and relied upon materials provided by or at the request of the Investment Adviser and other Other JPMorgan Entities. This information included, among other items, information from
Broadridge Financial Solutions (Broadridge), an independent third-party consultant, comparing the Funds investment performance and fees and expenses with a peer group of U.S. domiciled
closed-end funds selected by Broadridge from Morningstars database with strategies that invest in equity securities in the Asia Pacific region (the Broadridge Peer Group) and with the funds
in the broader Morningstar Miscellaneous Region category (the Broadridge Classification). The Directors also received information compiled from Morningstar regarding the investment performance of the Fund in comparison to funds and
accounts managed by JPMorgan and other managers that focus on Korean equity securities. The Directors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.31.23 | |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
|
21 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Matters Relating to the Directors
Consideration of the
Investment Advisory Agreement (continued)
also received and reviewed performance information for the Fund in comparison to its benchmark indices (MSCI Korea and MSCI Korea
25-50). The performance information received by the Directors covered various periods through September 30, 2023. Among other information, the Directors also took into account (i) information
regarding the background and qualifications of the portfolio managers and other personnel at the Investment Adviser who provide investment management, research, portfolio trading and other asset management services on behalf of the Fund and related
technologies and systems in place at the Investment Adviser; (ii) information regarding the overall organization of the Investment Adviser and other applicable Other JPMorgan Entities, including the most recent audited financial statements of
the Investment Advisers parent company, JPMorgan Chase & Co.; (iii) information regarding the estimated annual profitability to the Investment Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Fund under the Agreement and
other arrangements with Other JPMorgan Entities; (iv) descriptions of the compliance policies and program of the Investment Adviser and Other JPMorgan Entities applicable to the Fund; (vi) descriptions of the various programs in place at
the Investment Adviser and otherwise at JPMorgan to oversee and manage various categories of investment, operational, business and strategic and other risks, including with respect to business continuity and disaster recovery and cybersecurity and
data security risks; (vii) a description of any fall-out benefits that JPMorgan may realize as a result of its relationship with the Fund; and (viii) information regarding potential
economies of scale that the Investment Adviser may experience in its management of the Fund.
The Directors also considered the broad range of information relevant to the annual contract review that is provided to the Board (including its various standing
committees) at regular meetings throughout the year, some of which is identified above. This included, among other information, reports on the Funds net asset value and market price investment performance, information regarding the Funds
share price trading discount and activity under the Funds share repurchase program designed to address a trading discount, and periodic reports on, among other matters, pricing and valuation, quality and cost of portfolio trade execution,
securities lending, compliance, and shareholder and other services provided by the Investment Adviser and Other JPMorgan Entities.
In determining to approve the continuation of the Agreement for a one-year period, the Directors considered all factors that they
believed, in light of the legal advice furnished to them and their own business judgment, to be relevant to the interests of the Funds stockholders. In evaluating the terms of the Agreement, the Board did not identify any single factor as
controlling, and individual members of the Board did not necessarily attribute the same weight or importance to each factor, nor are the items described herein all-encompassing of the matters considered by the
Board. Further, the Boards review of the Agreement is the result of review and discussion over a period of years, rather than one particular period. The Directors conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of these
arrangements during the course of the year and in prior years.
During the course of the
Review Meetings, the Directors examined the nature, quality and extent of the services provided by the Investment Adviser and Other JPMorgan Entities to the Fund. Among other information, the Directors considered the investment philosophy and
research and decision-making processes employed by the Investment Adviser; the experience of key advisory personnel of the Investment Adviser who are responsible for portfolio management and trading for the Fund; the ability of the Investment
Adviser to attract and retain capable personnel; and the capabilities of the senior management and staff of the Investment Adviser and Other JPMorgan Entities who provide services to the Fund, including those who serve as officers of the Fund. In
addition, the Directors considered the quality of services provided by the Investment Adviser and Other JPMorgan Entities with respect to regulatory compliance and compliance with the investment policies and restrictions of the Fund; the nature and
quality of the supervisory and administrative services that Other JPMorgan Entities are responsible for providing to or procuring for the Fund; and conditions that might affect the abilities the Investment Adviser or Other JPMorgan Entities to
provide high-quality services to the Fund under the Agreement and Other JPMorgan Agreements.
In considering the Funds relative investment performance, the Directors focused mainly on periods commencing with the Investment Advisers assumption of
portfolio management responsibilities for the Fund on January 1, 2021 following the JPMorgan Transition. The Directors took into account that the Funds total return performance based on net asset value underperformed the median of the
Broadridge Peer Group and was generally in line with the performance of its benchmark indices for the one-year period ended September 30, 2023. They noted that the Fund outperformed the benchmark but
underperformed the Broadridge Peer Group median indices for the three-year period ended September 30, 2023 and that the Investment Adviser had been responsible for the Funds portfolio management during more than half of the three-year
period. Regarding the Funds performance relative to the Broadridge Peer Group, the Directors took into account that the peer group consists of only five other closed-end funds that invest in equity
securities in the Asia Pacific region, none of which focuses mainly on South Korean equity securities like the Fund. In this regard, the Directors took into account that the peer group comparisons may not be particularly apt and concluded that the
Funds performance relative to its benchmark indices provides more useful comparative information.
|
|
|
|
|
22 |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
| 12.31.23 |
The Korea Fund, Inc. Matters Relating
to the Directors Consideration of the
Investment Advisory Agreement
(continued)
Based on the foregoing and other considerations, the Directors concluded that the Investment
Advisers investment process, research capabilities and philosophy continue to be well suited to the Fund given its investment objective and policies, and that the Investment Adviser and Other JPMorgan Entities will be able to continue to meet
any reasonably foreseeable obligations under the Agreement and Other JPMorgan Agreements. The Directors also took into account that the conditional performance-based tender offer policy for the Fund described above will continue to be used as a
means to monitor the Funds performance and signal potential action in the event of underperformance subsequent to the JPMorgan Transition.
In assessing the reasonableness of the fees payable under the Agreement, the Directors took into account, among other factors, information provided by Broadridge
comparing the Funds fees and total expenses with the investment management fees and total expenses of funds in the Broadridge Peer Group and Broadridge Classification. The Directors noted that the Funds effective advisory fee rate under
the Agreement and total expenses were below the median fees and expenses of both the Broadridge Peer Group and Classification. The Directors also considered that the Funds total expense ratio has risen due to the Funds asset declines
from negative market performance and its share repurchase program, but noted that the Expense Limitation observed by the Adviser will remain in place through the end of the proposed one-year continuance of the
Agreement and continue to limit the Funds total expenses.
The Directors also took into
account information regarding the management fees charged by the Investment Adviser to comparable funds and accounts it manages (none of which are U.S. registered closed-end funds), but in doing so considered
that these comparisons may not be particularly apt in light of differences in levels of investment management and administrative services, operations, regulatory and compliance burdens and other factors differentiating the Fund from other types of
funds or accounts.
The Directors also considered an estimated annual profitability analyses
provided by the Investment Adviser and Other JPMorgan Entities with respect to their relationships with the Fund, including descriptions of the methodologies and assumptions used in estimating profitability. Based on the information provided, the
Directors determined, taking into account the various assumptions made, that such estimated profitability did not appear to be excessive.
The Directors also took into account the entrepreneurial and business risks to which the Investment Adviser and Other JPMorgan Entities are subject in their roles as
investment adviser, administrator, fund accountant and custodian for the Fund.
The Directors
also considered the extent to which the Investment Adviser and Other JPMorgan Entities may realize economies of scale or other efficiencies in managing and supporting the Fund. The Directors noted that, as a listed
closed-end fund, it is not currently anticipated that the Fund will raise additional assets or otherwise grow in size other than through possible investment gains. However, the Directors took into account,
among other factors, that Agreement imposes a fee waiver/breakpoint from 0.70% to 0.65% on the Funds average daily net assets in excess of $250 million, which would serve as a means of partially sharing economies of scale or efficiencies
gained by the Investment Adviser through asset growth above this level with Fund stockholders.
Additionally, the Directors considered so-called fall-out benefits to JPMorgan
from the Investment Advisers relationship as investment adviser to the Fund, such as research, statistical and quotation services, if any, the firm may receive from broker-dealers executing the Funds portfolio transactions or
reputational value derived from serving as investment adviser to the Fund. They also considered the compensation and other benefits received by Other JPMorgan Entities, including JPMFL and JPMorgan Chase, for providing administrative, fund
accounting, custody and other services to the Fund pursuant to the Other JPMorgan Agreements.
After reviewing and considering these and other factors described herein, the Directors concluded, in their business judgment, within the context of their overall
conclusions regarding the Agreement and other arrangements with JPMorgan, and based on information provided and related representations made by the Investment Adviser and Other JPMorgan Entities, that they were satisfied that the fees payable under
the Agreement represent reasonable compensation in light of the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Investment Adviser. Based on their evaluation of factors that they deemed to be material, including but not limited to those
factors described above, the Board and the Independent Directors unanimously approved the continuance of the Agreement for an additional one-year term commencing January 1, 2024, having concluded that the
terms of the Agreement are fair and reasonable to the Fund.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.31.23 | |
|
The Korea Fund, Inc. Semi-Annual Report |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
Directors |
|
Officers |
Julian M.I. Reid Chairman of the Board of Directors
Richard A. Silver
Matthew J. Sippel
Madam Yan Hu
Chief Legal Officer Carmine
Lekstutis |
|
Simon J. Crinage President and Chief Executive Officer
Neil S. Martin Treasurer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
Paul F. Winship Vice President and Secretary
Stephen M. Ungerman Chief Compliance Officer |
Investment Adviser
JPMorgan Asset Management (Asia Pacific) Limited
19th Floor, Chater House, 8 Connaught Road Central
Hong Kong
Fund Services Provider
JPMorgan Funds Limited,
60 Victoria Embankment
London EC4Y 0JP
UK
Custodian & Accounting Agent
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A,
383 Madison Avenue , 11th Floor
New York, NY 10179
USA
Transfer Agent, Dividend Paying Agent and Registrar
Equiniti Trust Company, LLC
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
USA
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
300 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
USA
Legal Counsel
Ropes & Gray LLP
Prudential Tower
800 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02199
USA
This
report, including the financial information herein, is transmitted to the stockholders of The Korea Fund, Inc. for their information. It is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase of shares of the Fund or any
securities mentioned in this report.
The financial information included herein is
taken from the records of the Fund without examination by an independent registered public accounting firm, who did not express an opinion herein.
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that from time to time the Fund may purchase shares of
its common stock in the open market.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio
holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of its fiscal year on Form N-PORT. The Funds Form N-PORT is
available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. The information on Form N-PORT is also available on the Funds website at www.thekoreafund.com.
Information on the Fund is available at www.thekoreafund.com or by calling the Funds
stockholder servicing agent at (866) 706-0510.
AZ612SAR-12.31.23
1228050
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS
Not required in this filing.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE
FINANCIAL EXPERT
Not required in this filing.
ITEM 4.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Not required in this filing
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS
Not required
in this filing
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
(a)
The registrants Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.
(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Not required in this filing
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Not required in this filing
ITEM 9. PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED COMPANIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period |
|
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased |
|
|
(b) Average Price Paid per Share |
|
|
(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |
|
|
(d) Maximum Number of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs |
|
July 1-31, 2023 |
|
|
4,969 |
|
|
|
23.63 |
|
|
|
4,969 |
|
|
|
492,918 |
|
August 1-31, 2023 |
|
|
3,929 |
|
|
|
22.34 |
|
|
|
8,898 |
|
|
|
487,949 |
|
September 1-30, 2023 |
|
|
4,001 |
|
|
|
21.51 |
|
|
|
12,899 |
|
|
|
480,019 |
|
October 1-31, 2023 |
|
|
12,309 |
|
|
|
20.08 |
|
|
|
25,208 |
|
|
|
467,710 |
|
November 1-30, 2023 |
|
|
15.302 |
|
|
|
21.21 |
|
|
|
40,510 |
|
|
|
452,408 |
|
December 1-31, 2023 |
|
|
10,501 |
|
|
|
22.57 |
|
|
|
51,011 |
|
|
|
441,907 |
|
Total |
|
|
51,011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Subject to broker commission fees (charged on a tiered rate basis). |
2 |
The Fund has a share repurchase program under which the Fund will repurchase in each twelve month period ended
June 30, up to 10% of its common shares outstanding as of the close of business on June 30 the prior year, but will permit shares to be repurchased at differing discount trigger levels that will not be announced. The Fund will repurchase
shares at a discount, in accordance with procedures approved by the Board. Subject to these procedures, the timing and amount of any shares repurchased will be determined by the Board and/or its Discount Management Committee in consultation with the
Investment Manager. |
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Funds Board of Directors since the Fund last
provided disclosure in response to this item.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) The registrants President and Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer, Principal Financial & Accounting Officer have concluded that the
registrants disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) (17
CFR 270.30a-3(c))), as amended, are effective based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document.
(b) There were no significant change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule
30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d))) that occurred during
the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
(a)
(1) Gross income from securities lending activities: $0
(2) All fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services: $0
(3) Aggregate fees/compensation: $0
(4) Net income from
securities lending activities: $0
The registrants Statement of Operations included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this
form shows Securities Lending Income of $0. This includes any true up of a prior years accrual. No income was actually received in the reporting period.
(b) The Fund may lend up to 33 1/3% of the Funds total assets via Goldman Sachs Bank USA (GS Bank USA) as lending agent to certain qualified
brokers, except those securities which the Fund or the Investment Manager specifically identifies as not being available. By lending its investment securities, the Fund attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of interest
on the loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur and any interest or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Fund. Risks of delay in recovery of the securities may
occur should the borrower of the securities fail financially. Risks may also arise to the extent that the value of the collateral decreases below the value of the securities loaned. Upon entering into a securities lending transaction, the Fund
receives cash or other securities as collateral in an amount equal to or exceeding 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities with respect to securities of the U.S. government or its agencies, 102% of the current market value of the
loaned securities with respect to U.S. securities and 105% of the current market value of the loaned securities with respect to foreign securities. Any cash received as collateral is invested in the Blackrock
T-Fund, Institutional Class. Non-cash
collateral is not disclosed in the
Funds Statement of Assets and Liabilities as it is held by the custodian or collateral agent on behalf of the Fund and the Fund does not have the ability to re-hypothecate those securities. A
portion of the dividends received on the collateral may be rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between GS Bank USA, as the securities lending agent, and the Fund.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS
(a) (1) Not required in this filing
(a) (2) Exhibit 99_CERT. Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(a) (3) Not applicable
(a) (4) Not
applicable
(b) Exhibit 99.906_CERT. Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Signature
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
(Registrant) The Korea Fund, Inc. |
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Simon J. Crinage |
Simon J. Crinage |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
Date: March 4, 2024 |
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Neil S. Martin |
Neil S. Martin |
Treasurer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer |
Date: March 4, 2024
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Simon J. Crinage |
Simon J. Crinage |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
Date: March 4, 2024 |
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Neil S. Martin |
Neil S. Martin |
Treasurer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer |
|
Date: March 4, 2024 |
Exhibit 99_CERT
Section 302 Certification
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Simon J. Crinage, certify
that:
1. |
I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of The Korea Fund, Inc.;
|
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report,
fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule
30a-3 (d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: |
|
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is
being prepared; |
|
(b) |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial
reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles; |
|
(c) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and |
|
(d) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrants auditors and
the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
|
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and |
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in
the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Dated: March 4, 2024
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Simon J. Crinage |
Simon J. Crinage |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
I, Neil S. Martin, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of The Korea Fund, Inc.;
|
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report,
fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule
30a-3 (d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: |
|
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is
being prepared; |
|
(b) |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial
reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles; |
|
(c) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and |
|
(d) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrants auditors and
the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
|
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and |
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in
the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Dated: March 4, 2024
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Neil S. Martin |
Neil S. Martin |
Treasurer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer |
Exhibit 99.906_CERT
Section 906 Certification
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)
In connection with the attached report of The Korea Fund, Inc. (the Registrant) on Form N-CSR (the
Report), each of the undersigned officers of the Registrant does hereby certify that, to the best of such officers knowledge:
|
(1) |
the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; |
|
(2) |
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
results of operations of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in the Report. |
Dated: March 4, 2024
|
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Simon J. Crinage |
Simon J. Crinage |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
Dated: March 4, 2024 |
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Neil S. Martin |
Neil S. Martin |
Treasurer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or
otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Registrant and will be retained by Registrant and furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission or its staff upon request.
This certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and is not being filed as
part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.
Korea (NYSE:KF)
Historical Stock Chart
From Oct 2024 to Nov 2024
Korea (NYSE:KF)
Historical Stock Chart
From Nov 2023 to Nov 2024