(LEAD) S. Korean currency falls on Trump's renewed threats to hit Iranian infrastructure | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
Higher oil prices have pressured the won by increasing demand for dollars for crude imports, as South Korea relies heavily on imports for energy. "Even if the United States and Iran reach a deal, high oil prices are likely to persist during the first half, keeping the local currency at around the 1,500 won level," Moon Jeong-hee, an economist at KB Kookmin Bank, said. A customer visits a currency exchange office in Seoul's Myeongdong on April 5, 2026. (Yonhap) graceoh@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles Seoul shares open higher despite Trump's renewed threats on Iran Trump threatens to strike Iran power plants if Strait of Hormuz not reopened by Tuesday evening (LEAD) Lee vows all-out efforts to prevent Mideast war from escalating into bigger crisis for S. Korea Keywords #Korean currency Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel BTS to drop 'Come Over,' exclusive new track on 'Arirang' LP (URGENT) BTS earns 7th No. 1 song on the Billboard singles chart with 'Swim' (LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break Lee voices hope for peace in Easter message Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S. (3rd LD) Lee says S. Korea Military helicopter mistakenly enters DMZ during wildfire operation last month (LEAD) BTS tops Billboard albums chart for 2nd week with 'Arirang,' a first in K-pop Trump threatens to strike Iran power plants if Strait of Hormuz not reopened by Tuesday evening Seoul cites differing circumstances of ships, countries after Japan-linked vessels transit Strait of Hormuz Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos N.

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SEOUL, April 6 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean won weakened against the U.S. dollar Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed threats to strike Iranian energy facilities and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, while setting a new deadline for action.
The won closed at 1,506.3 per dollar, down 1.1 won from the previous session.
The local currency opened at 1,510.3 won Monday, but some of the earlier losses were pared on news reports that the United States and Iran were discussing a potential 45-day ceasefire as part of a two-phase deal that could eventually lead to a permanent end to the war.
The currency has shown heightened volatility in recent sessions, remaining below the psychologically important 1,500 won level, as the war in the Middle East that began late February has driven up global oil prices, fueling concerns over inflation and a potential economic slowdown.
On Sunday (U.S. time), Trump said Iran would "be living in hell" if it fails to reopen the crucial waterway, extending his deadline for a deal by one day to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Escalating tensions further lifted crude prices amid supply concerns, with Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbing above US$110 per barrel.
Higher oil prices have pressured the won by increasing demand for dollars for crude imports, as South Korea relies heavily on imports for energy.
"Even if the United States and Iran reach a deal, high oil prices are likely to persist during the first half, keeping the local currency at around the 1,500 won level," Moon Jeong-hee, an economist at KB Kookmin Bank, said.
Despite the instability in the Middle East, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 1.36 percent to 5,450.33 Monday on solid buying by institutions.
A customer visits a currency exchange office in Seoul's Myeongdong on April 5, 2026. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)
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(LEAD) S. Korean currency falls on Trump's renewed threats to hit Iranian infrastructure

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- The currency has shown heightened volatility in recent sessions, remaining below the psychologically important 1,500 won level, as the war in the Middle East that began late February has driven up global oil prices, fueling concerns over inflation and a potential economic slowdown.

### Areas for Consideration
- Korea Keywords #Korean currency Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel BTS to drop 'Come Over,' exclusive new track on 'Arirang' LP (URGENT) BTS earns 7th No. 1 song on the Billboard singles chart with 'Swim' (LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break Lee voices hope for peace in Easter message Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S. (3rd LD) Lee says S.

### Implications
- The local currency opened at 1,510.3 won Monday, but some of the earlier losses were pared on news reports that the United States and Iran were discussing a potential 45-day ceasefire as part of a two-phase deal that could eventually lead to a permanent end to the war.
- A customer visits a currency exchange office in Seoul's Myeongdong on April 5, 2026. (Yonhap) graceoh@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles Seoul shares open higher despite Trump's renewed threats on Iran Trump threatens to strike Iran power plants if Strait of Hormuz not reopened by Tuesday evening (LEAD) Lee vows all-out efforts to prevent Mideast war from escalating into bigger crisis for S.
- Korea Keywords #Korean currency Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel BTS to drop 'Come Over,' exclusive new track on 'Arirang' LP (URGENT) BTS earns 7th No. 1 song on the Billboard singles chart with 'Swim' (LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break Lee voices hope for peace in Easter message Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S. (3rd LD) Lee says S.
- Korea, France agree to cooperate on safe passage through Strait of Hormuz Most Viewed All Categories (LEAD) Lee expresses regret over drone flights by individuals into N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers trump, lead, korea topics. Notable strengths include discussion of trump. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 638.