Korean Won Rises on Intervention Signals

2026-03-19 03:10 By Mariene Camarillo 1 min. read

The South Korean won strengthened to around 1,498 per dollar, extending gains for another session on cautious optimism following verbal interventions from authorities aimed at curbing excessive volatility.

Government officials, led by Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, stated that policymakers stand prepared to deploy all available tools, with round-the-clock monitoring of foreign exchange markets and a commitment to intervene if needed.

Sentiment was further underpinned by plans from authorities and the Bank of Korea to conduct financial sector stress tests and prepare to expand a 100 trillion won stabilization program.

However, gains were partially capped as the dollar firmed following the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged at 3.5–3.75 percent for a second consecutive meeting, while maintaining its projection of just one rate cut this year.



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Korean Won Rises on Intervention Signals
The South Korean won strengthened to around 1,498 per dollar, extending gains for another session on cautious optimism following verbal interventions from authorities aimed at curbing excessive volatility. Government officials, led by Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, stated that policymakers stand prepared to deploy all available tools, with round-the-clock monitoring of foreign exchange markets and a commitment to intervene if needed. Sentiment was further underpinned by plans from authorities and the Bank of Korea to conduct financial sector stress tests and prepare to expand a 100 trillion won stabilization program. However, gains were partially capped as the dollar firmed following the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged at 3.5–3.75 percent for a second consecutive meeting, while maintaining its projection of just one rate cut this year.
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