Seoul: The South Korean won plummeted to its weakest level since 2009 against the U.S. dollar on Friday, driven by renewed tensions in the Middle East and significant foreign selling of local stocks. The currency opened at 1,529 won per dollar, slightly higher by 0.7 won compared to the previous session's close, but soon lost its footing as foreign investors began liquidating their holdings in South Korean equities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the won was trading at 1,547.1 won per dollar at 10:38 a.m., marking a decline of 13.1 won from the previous session. This level of trading has not been observed since March 2009. Concurrently, foreign investors sold off a net 1.4 trillion won, equivalent to approximately US$900 billion, worth of local stocks by Friday morning.

Foreign investors have maintained their position as net sellers of South Korean stocks for the 20th consecutive trading session. The South Korean stock market reflected this trend, with the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index plunging 4.55 percent to 8,246.1 by 10:44 a.m. This decline follows a recent surge in tech shares, as investors pause amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-Iran peace deal.