Yonhap News Summary | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday. ----------------- ■ (2nd LD) Korean won plunges to new 17-yr low against U.S. dollar as Iran crisis persists SEOUL -- The South Korean currency fell sharply to its weakest level in 17 years against the U.S. dollar Thursday amid intensifying tensions in the Middle East and the subsequent surge in global oil prices. The won was quoted at 1,501 won per dollar, down 17.9 won from the previous session, marking the lowest level since March 10, 2009, when the won hit 1,511.1 during the global financial crisis. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319002252320?section=economy-finance/economy ----------------- ■ Lee orders comprehensive review of stalking cases after fatal incident SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday urged police to review all reported stalking cases and swiftly implement measures to protect victims amid criticism over the police's failure to prevent a recent fatal incident. The seven-member act is set to perform at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday to mark the release of its fifth studio album, "Arirang," and preparations have been under way at all levels -- from the district government to the prime minister's office -- to ensure a safe and enjoyable event. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319007251315?section=national/national ----------------- ■ (LEAD) Seoul shares dip nearly 3 pct on escalating Iran crisis, hawkish Fed; won slides to 17-yr low SEOUL -- South Korean shares ended almost 3 percent lower Thursday as concerns over inflation brewed after attacks on the Middle East's critical energy facilities, and the U.S. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) plummeted 161.81 points, or 2.73 percent, to close at 5,763.22, ending its 3-day rise. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319008400320?section=economy-finance/economy (END) Keywords #summary Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert Most Saved Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (2nd LD) N.

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The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.
-----------------
■ (2nd LD) Korean won plunges to new 17-yr low against U.S. dollar as Iran crisis persists
SEOUL -- The South Korean currency fell sharply to its weakest level in 17 years against the U.S. dollar Thursday amid intensifying tensions in the Middle East and the subsequent surge in global oil prices.
The won was quoted at 1,501 won per dollar, down 17.9 won from the previous session, marking the lowest level since March 10, 2009, when the won hit 1,511.1 during the global financial crisis.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319002252320?section=economy-finance/economy
-----------------
■ Lee orders comprehensive review of stalking cases after fatal incident
SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday urged police to review all reported stalking cases and swiftly implement measures to protect victims amid criticism over the police's failure to prevent a recent fatal incident.
Lee made the call as he criticized the police's "lax handling" of a recent stalking case, in which a man in his 40s stabbed to death a woman he had previously dated, even though the victim had been under police protection and had reported threats shortly before the crime last week.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319006700315?section=national/politics
-----------------
■ (LEAD) Shops, restaurants turn purple to welcome BTS fans
SEOUL -- Shops and restaurants in downtown Seoul were adorned in purple Thursday as businesses eagerly embraced the symbolic color of K-pop group BTS ahead of its highly anticipated comeback show this weekend.
The seven-member act is set to perform at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday to mark the release of its fifth studio album, "Arirang," and preparations have been under way at all levels -- from the district government to the prime minister's office -- to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319007251315?section=national/national
-----------------
■ (LEAD) Seoul shares dip nearly 3 pct on escalating Iran crisis, hawkish Fed; won slides to 17-yr low
SEOUL -- South Korean shares ended almost 3 percent lower Thursday as concerns over inflation brewed after attacks on the Middle East's critical energy facilities, and the U.S. Federal Reserve chief made hawkish comments following a rate freeze decision. The local currency slid against the U.S. dollar to the lowest level in 17 years.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) plummeted 161.81 points, or 2.73 percent, to close at 5,763.22, ending its 3-day rise.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319008400320?section=economy-finance/economy
(END)
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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- The won was quoted at 1,501 won per dollar, down 17.9 won from the previous session, marking the lowest level since March 10, 2009, when the won hit 1,511.1 during the global financial crisis. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319002252320?section=economy-finance/economy ----------------- ■ Lee orders comprehensive review of stalking cases after fatal incident SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday urged police to review all reported stalking cases and swiftly implement measures to protect victims amid criticism over the police's failure to prevent a recent fatal incident.
- Korea committed to expanding nuclear, missile programs; poses 'significant' threats to S.

### Areas for Consideration
- The won was quoted at 1,501 won per dollar, down 17.9 won from the previous session, marking the lowest level since March 10, 2009, when the won hit 1,511.1 during the global financial crisis. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319002252320?section=economy-finance/economy ----------------- ■ Lee orders comprehensive review of stalking cases after fatal incident SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday urged police to review all reported stalking cases and swiftly implement measures to protect victims amid criticism over the police's failure to prevent a recent fatal incident.
- The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) plummeted 161.81 points, or 2.73 percent, to close at 5,763.22, ending its 3-day rise. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319008400320?section=economy-finance/economy (END) Keywords #summary Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert Most Saved Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (2nd LD) N.

### Implications
- Lee made the call as he criticized the police's "lax handling" of a recent stalking case, in which a man in his 40s stabbed to death a woman he had previously dated, even though the victim had been under police protection and had reported threats shortly before the crime last week. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319006700315?section=national/politics ----------------- ■ (LEAD) Shops, restaurants turn purple to welcome BTS fans SEOUL -- Shops and restaurants in downtown Seoul were adorned in purple Thursday as businesses eagerly embraced the symbolic color of K-pop group BTS ahead of its highly anticipated comeback show this weekend.
- The seven-member act is set to perform at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday to mark the release of its fifth studio album, "Arirang," and preparations have been under way at all levels -- from the district government to the prime minister's office -- to ensure a safe and enjoyable event. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319007251315?section=national/national ----------------- ■ (LEAD) Seoul shares dip nearly 3 pct on escalating Iran crisis, hawkish Fed; won slides to 17-yr low SEOUL -- South Korean shares ended almost 3 percent lower Thursday as concerns over inflation brewed after attacks on the Middle East's critical energy facilities, and the U.S.
- The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) plummeted 161.81 points, or 2.73 percent, to close at 5,763.22, ending its 3-day rise. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260319008400320?section=economy-finance/economy (END) Keywords #summary Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert Most Saved Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (2nd LD) N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers seoul, korea, won topics. Notable strengths include discussion of seoul. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 664.