According to Yonhapinfomax, the USD/KRW exchange rate plunged to 1,498.50 won on July 8, down 29.70 won from the previous close, marking its lowest level since May 29. Foreign investors switched to net buying after 14 consecutive trading days of selling Korean stocks.
The decline was driven by expectations of SK Hynix's U.S. ADR listing inflows, the company's forward exchange sales, estimated central bank smoothing operations, and position liquidations. The downward pressure eased during London trading hours following comments from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding an Iran ceasefire memorandum.