📝 Executive Summary
The Bank of Korea has made its first gold-linked investment in 13 years, resuming a strategy last used more than a decade ago. The move signals renewed central bank demand for bullion and puts pressure on other Asian monetary authorities to follow. The announcement comes as global official gold purchases remain elevated, with central banks diversifying reserve assets. For XAU/USD, the Bank of Korea's return adds a fresh, concrete buyer to the market, supporting prices in the near term.