The Kospi lost 1.78 points, or 0.07 percent, to close at 2,486.64 on heightened uncertainties ahead of Seoul's tariff negotiations with Washington later this week.
The Korean won opened at its weakest level since the 2009 global financial crisis, as the won-dollar exchange rate surged past 1,480 won on Wednesday.
The won hits its lowest value since the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, trading at 1,473.2.
Korea's top economic policymakers said Tuesday that volatility in the country's financial and foreign exchange markets is expected to persist, pledging to maintain close monitoring of the situation with heightened vigilance.
A sidecar mechanism was triggered on the main Kospi bourse Monday morning following a sharp drop in the Kospi 200 futures index. It marked the first activation of a sidecar in eight months, the last occurring in August 2024.
An employee fans dollar bills at Hana Bank's foreign currency forgery and alteration response center in Jung District, central Seoul, on March 27.
The average won-dollar exchange rate during the fourth quarter of last year hit a record high at 1,398.75, according to data released by the Bank of Korea, the highest level since the first quarter of 2009.
People stand in line at a currency exchange shop in the Myeong-dong area of Jung District, central Seoul, on Dec. 24.
The Korean won has stabilized against the dollar and is expected to hold steady in the absence of worsening tension in the Middle East.
Lee's idea of gaining popularity at the expense of damaging the public finance and national credibility won’t please that many people.
Korea JoongAng Daily Sitemap
