South Korean Won Weakens Amid Dollar Strength

2026-01-09 02:27 By Mariene Camarillo 1 min. read

The South Korean won depreciated to around 1,454 per dollar, retreating after three consecutive sessions of stabilization, as renewed US dollar strength and shifting global trade dynamics weighed on investor sentiment.

The move came after markets digested unexpectedly strong US trade data, which showed a sharp contraction in the trade deficit driven by falling imports, overshadowing South Korea’s positive domestic economic indicators.

On Thursday, the country posted its largest-ever November current account surplus, reaching $12.24 billion, nearly double October’s $6.81 billion, driven by strong exports and a semiconductor sector upturn.

Despite these strong fundamentals, earlier gains in the won had been limited below the 1,450 level amid expectations of continued government intervention.

However, the currency finally surpassed 1,450 for the first time this year, reflecting renewed pressure from capital outflows and a firmer greenback.



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