South Korean Won Extends Losses

The South Korean won weakened past 1,505 per dollar, extending losses near its weakest level since March 2009, as persistent Middle East tensions continued to weigh on market sentiment. Conflicting messages between the United States and Iran clouded prospects for a near-term ceasefire, while disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz kept crude and LNG supply risks elevated, straining Korea’s energy-dependent economy. The Bank of Korea cautioned that the conflict could amplify inflation, slow growth, and heighten foreign exchange volatility, signaling policy caution and suggesting rates may remain at 2.50% at least through August. Foreign investor outflows and rising bond yields further reflected cautious sentiment. The United States also advances plans to raise global tariffs, adding trade uncertainty and posing risks to South Korea’s export-driven economy.

The South Korean won hovered around 1,500 per dollar, holding broadly steady as improving risk sentiment followed signs of easing tensions in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump signaled progress in negotiations with Iran, raising optimism over a potential de-escalation in the conflict. The shift supported regional markets and tempered safe-haven demand for the dollar. However, gains in the won remained limited as underlying risks persisted. Ongoing disruptions to energy flows, including the constraints in the Strait of Hormuz and supply setbacks from QatarEnergy, continued to fuel concerns over elevated import costs and inflation in South Korea. Meanwhile, discussions around expanding foreign exchange hedging by the National Pension Service pointed to potential longer-term support for the currency, though near-term movements remained driven by geopolitical developments and oil price volatility.

The South Korean won fell just below 1,500 per dollar, staying under pressure amid ongoing uncertainty over US-Iran tensions. The currency remains highly sensitive to developments in the Middle East, as US threats of strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure and Iran’s warnings over regional energy routes maintain elevated safe-haven demand for the dollar. While oil prices eased slightly following news of delayed US strikes, continued volatility in crude markets weigh on the won, reflecting Korea’s heavy reliance on imported energy. Elevated energy costs and broader inflation concerns are reinforcing investor caution, limiting the won’s ability to sustain a meaningful recovery. Foreign flows also contribute to downward pressure, as investors remain hesitant amid risk-off sentiment in Asian markets. Market participants are monitoring both geopolitical developments and energy price trends closely.