CITIGROUP economist Jin‑Wook Kim said South Korea’s current account surplus is structurally widening, driven by rising chip exports and a robust goods trade surplus, which could push the won higher over the long term. He forecasts the current account surplus will average 22.8% of GDP in 2026–28, versus 4.2% in 2016–25. CITIGROUP expects USD/KRW to fall to 1,300 in three months and to 1,270 over 6–12 months. USD/KRW is down 6.6% YTD at 1,345.30. Kim noted Korean financial regulators and the Natio

CITIGROUP economist Jin‑Wook Kim said South Korea’s current account surplus is structurally widening, driven by rising chip exports and a robust goods trade surplus, which could push the won higher over the long term. He forecasts the current account surplus will average 22.8% of GDP in 2026–28, versus 4.2% in 2016–25. CITIGROUP expects USD/KRW to fall to 1,300 in three months and to 1,270 over 6–12 months. USD/KRW is down 6.6% YTD at 1,345.30. Kim noted Korean financial regulators and the National Pension Service may buy dollars if the won appreciates too quickly.