BOK flags stagflation risk in worst-case Iran war scenario

The Bank of Korea (BOK) said that a worst-case escalation of tensions in the Middle East could tip the economy into stagflation and held the benchmark interest rate steady for a seventh straight meeting.

2026-04-10

BOK holds benchmark rate at 2.5 percent in first monetary meeting since Iran war

The Bank of Korea (BOK) maintained the benchmark interest rate at 2.50 percent per year following a rate-setting meeting on Friday.

2026-04-10

Kospi falls over 1.5% as investors process U.S.-Iran cease-fire

The Kospi lost 94.33 points, or 1.61 percent, to 5,778.01 as investors digested different claims by Washington and Tehran on the terms of their two-week cease-fire.

2026-04-09

'Kidults' aren't playing around. They're stealing the toy market.

From stress-relief toys to collectible figures, consumers in their 20s and 30s are driving toy sales as the low birthrate shrinks the traditional children’s market. The shift is prompting retailers to expand offerings for so-called “kidults."

2026-04-03

30s are the new 20s for working women as 'M-shaped curve' flattens

Thirties are the new 20s, at least for working women, with the employment rate for women aged 30 to 34 exceeding that of 25-to-29-year-olds for the first time since 1995 last year, effectively eliminating the “M-shaped curve” phenomenon.

2026-04-02

Dollar-won exchange rate breaks 1,530 during intraday trading for first time since 2008 global financial crisis

The dollar-won exchange rate broke a weak of 1,530 intraday for the first time since the 2008 global financial crisis as fears of a broader Middle East war materialized on Tuesday.

2026-03-31

Korean won falls to 4th-lowest monthly level amid foreign outflows

The won has fallen sharply to its fourth-lowest level against the dollar in March amid a foreign selloff on the stock market, financial data showed Sunday.

2026-03-29

Korean currency rebounds from 17-year low on hopes for Middle East de-escalation

The won strengthened sharply against the dollar on Tuesday, recovering from a 17-year low in the previous session, after U.S. President Donald Trump delayed planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure amid talks to end the conflict.

2026-03-24

'Hawkish' Shin's BOK nomination raising expectations of tighter monetary policy

A leadership change at the Bank of Korea (BOK) is raising expectations of a shift toward tighter monetary policy under nominee Shin Hyun-song.

2026-03-23

Won plunges to 17-year low amid Middle East conflict

The Korean won weakened past 1,510 per dollar on Monday, its lowest level in 17 years since the 2008 financial crisis.