Economic growth slowed down as the reforms after the crisis introduced a less aggressive system. Banks lent money to households rather than firms as household loans were liberalized. The current account turned into a surplus, but it failed to produce the equivalent increase in net foreign assets because of the large net capital losses. The country now held more international reserves, but it was for self-insurance purposes after throwing open the capital market. The country failed to avoid a currency crisis in 2008, which was resolved through currency swap agreements. The growth rate fell further with the ensuing Great Recession, and the country faced a deflation threat in 2013, but it was slow to use fiscal policy to cope with it. South Korea fought the pandemic in 2020 well but is currently having difficulties with its disinflation policy as it has to heed the risks in international as well as domestic financial markets.