South Korea's Won Weakens to 17-Year Low; Regulators Order Banks to Rein In Speculation

South Korea's central bank and financial regulator ordered banks on 8 June 2026 to curb speculative trading after the won hit its weakest level against the dollar since 2009. The currency fell over 8% in the second half of 2025. For an export-dependent economy, a weaker won increases import costs and strains monetary policy. Bank guidance carries de facto force here; expect tighter position limits and closer scrutiny of foreign investor flows.