Core Viewpoint - The South Korean won has been depreciating against the US dollar, nearing its lowest level since the 2008 financial crisis, following the announcement of 24-hour trading for the won starting next year, increasing pressure on the Bank of Korea to intervene in the foreign exchange market [1][2][4]. Group 1: Currency Performance - The won has declined by 6% over the past three months, the largest drop among major currencies in the Asia-Pacific region, influenced by ongoing capital outflows from the stock market and increased overseas investments by residents [2]. - The won's exchange rate against the dollar recently approached 1487.45, just 1% shy of its historical high, marking the lowest level since March 2009 [1][2]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Following the announcement of the 24-hour trading initiative, the Korean stock index fell by 2.3%, and the won also depreciated, reaching its lowest level since mid-May [3]. - Despite the potential for increased global liquidity for the won with the upcoming market liberalization, immediate foreign capital inflows are not expected [3]. Group 3: Central Bank's Position - The Bank of Korea is under scrutiny regarding potential foreign exchange interventions, with the governor indicating a willingness to act if excessive volatility is observed, while downplaying the current depreciation trend [4]. - The economic environment is complex for the Bank of Korea, as the IMF forecasts a mere 0.9% growth for the South Korean economy this year, the lowest among major Asian economies, complicating the decision to lower interest rates to support economic recovery [4]. Group 4: Bond Market Pressure - South Korean bonds are also facing pressure, with the 10-year government bond yield rising to a 16-month high, as the market increasingly bets that the current monetary easing cycle is coming to an end [5]. - There are expectations that the Bank of Korea may require national pension institutions to sell dollars as a strategy to support the won, a tactic previously employed in late 2022 and early 2023 [5].

Core Viewpoint - The South Korean won has depreciated significantly against the US dollar, reaching its lowest level since the 2008 financial crisis, raising concerns about potential intervention by the Bank of Korea [1][4]. Group 1: Currency Performance - The South Korean won has fallen 6% over the past three months, making it the worst-performing currency in the Asia-Pacific region [3]. - The USD/KRW exchange rate is nearing the historical high of 1487.45, with the won recently trading at 1468.77 [1][3]. - The recent announcement of 24-hour trading for the won starting next year has added pressure to its value [3]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Foreign investors have sold a net $5.2 billion worth of South Korean stocks this month, despite the KOSPI index reaching historical highs [3]. - The announcement of the 24-hour trading policy did not generate positive market sentiment, as the KOSPI index fell by 2.3% on the day of the announcement [3]. Group 3: Central Bank's Position - The Bank of Korea is under pressure to intervene in the foreign exchange market, with its governor indicating a willingness to act if excessive volatility is observed [4]. - The central bank's cautious stance contrasts with other Asian economies that have recently cut interest rates to support their currencies [5]. Group 4: Economic Context - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected South Korea's economic growth at only 0.9% this year, the lowest among major Asian economies [5]. - The yield on 10-year South Korean government bonds has risen to a 16-month high, indicating market expectations of an end to the current monetary easing cycle [5]. Group 5: Potential Strategies - Market participants speculate that one feasible strategy for the Bank of Korea to support the won could involve the national pension fund selling US dollars, a tactic previously employed [6]. - The National Pension Service of Korea has engaged in significant transactions to rebalance its portfolio, including selling dollars to purchase domestic stocks [6].