The Financial Services Commission (FSC) reported that the outstanding balance of household loans across all financial sectors increased by KRW6.2 trillion in July, a slower pace compared to the KRW8.3 trillion rise in June. Home-backed mortgage loans increased by KRW3.5 trillion (vs. KRW4.5 trillion in June), while other types of loans edged up KRW2.7 trillion (vs. KRW3.8 trillion in June). The slowdown was attributed to self-regulatory and voluntary management measures by financial companies. However, the FSC noted the need for continued close monitoring and strict management due to expectations of rising housing prices in the Seoul metropolitan area and other risk factors like increased housing transactions and seasonal demand.