Won strengthens after Lee's extraordinary comments set target for exchange rate

The won strengthened after President Lee Jae Myung said authorities expected the exchange rate to move toward 1,400 per dollar within the next couple of months, in unusually explicit comments that the market read as official concern over volatility.

2026-01-21

Lee slams political-religious collusion as 'path to national ruin' in New Year's press conference

President Lee Jae Myung underscored that collusion between politics and religion is the "path to national ruin" and must be eradicated from the roots in his New Year's press conference on Wednesday.

2026-01-21

24-hour forex trading is coming. Who is winning: Korea or Wall Street?

Korea’s push for around-the-clock currency trading could bring the country closer to “developed market” status, but experts warn that the move is a double-edged sword that could trigger greater outflows of foreign capital.

2026-01-20

Kospi's record bull run belies excessive concentration in certain sectors

Despite the benchmark Kospi’s surge past the 4,900 mark, analysts say the rally is increasingly concentrated on a narrow set of stocks, raising questions about the bull run's staying power amid heightened global uncertainty.

2026-01-19

Kospi closes at record high, extends rally to 11th session

Shares ended at a fresh record high above 4,800 points Friday, extending their rally to an 11th consecutive session amid continued buying momentum in semiconductor shares. The local currency fell against the U.S. dollar.

2026-01-16

Kospi opens at record high of over 4,800 as rally enters 11th day

Shares opened at a record high Friday, with the benchmark index rising above 4,800 points for the first time as it enters the 11th straight session of gains.

2026-01-16

U.S. treasury secretary's rare public remarks help lift won in first daily gain this year

Rare public remarks by the U.S. Treasury Secretary on Korea’s currency helped lift the won on Thursday, marking its first daily gain this year after weeks of failed domestic attempts to arrest its decline.

2026-01-15

Kospi almost hits 4,800 at close, won rebounds

Shares continued their blistering bull run Thursday to set a new all-time high, just an inch away from the uncharted territory of 4,800, on strong chip and auto gains. The local currency rose sharply against the U.S. dollar.

2026-01-15

Gov't begins foreign exchange inspections of more than 1,100 exporters

The government will begin special foreign exchange inspections of more than 1,100 exporters to crack down on illegal currency transactions as the weak won continues.

2026-01-13

Seoul shares end at another record high, just shy of 4,700

Shares ended almost 1.5 percent higher at another record milestone on Tuesday, inching closer to the 4,700-point mark as defense and auto shares offset declines in semiconductor stocks. The Korean won fell to a three-week low against the U.S. dollar.