The South Korean won strengthened to around 1,417 per dollar on Thursday, extending gains for the second straight session as the dollar weakened on renewed strain in US–China trade relations. Domestically, investor sentiment improved amid signs of progress in high-stakes trade negotiations between Seoul and Washington. Both nations are reported to have moved closer to alignment over implementing South Korea’s $350 billion investment pledge under a trade framework settled on in July. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Seoul had agreed to make an “upfront payment” of the pledged sum to invest in the US. His remarks came shortly after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested the two nations were close to resolving key disagreements. Both governments plan to finalize the deal by late October, potentially at the APEC summit in Seoul, where Trump and President Lee are expected to meet.
