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South Korea’s Political Uncertainty Index Falls to Pre-Martial Law Levels

Easing tensions under the new administration have lifted the won to its strongest level in seven months

Image
Lee Jae-myung (L), then candidate of the liberal Democratic Party, and his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, attend an event to greet supporters in Seoul on June 4, 2025, after he was certain to win the presidential election triggered by the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched imposition of martial law. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Bank of Korea data showed the political uncertainty index at 1.5 on June 4, matching levels before the December martial law declaration
  • The index had spiked to a record 12.8 in mid-December after former President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered martial law
  • Governor Rhee Chang-yong said the recent election has removed political pressures from the won-dollar exchange rate
  • The Korean won strengthened to 1,358.4 per dollar on June 5, its firmest rate since October
  • The Bank of Korea’s Composite Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 101.8 in May, exceeding the neutral benchmark for the first time in a year