USD/KRW Exchange Rate Surpasses 1,470 Won Amid Strengthening US-Korea Ties and Bio Industry Growth Strategies

USD/KRW Exchange Rate Climbs Past 1,470 Won, Closing Near 1,473

The USD to Korean Won exchange rate has been rising for seven straight trading days, ending yesterday (January 13) at around 1,473.7 won. [1][2][3]

Despite government measures at the end of last year, continued buying of U.S. stocks by individual investors and demand from importers for dollar payments are pushing the exchange rate higher. [2]

During trading hours, the rate even broke through 1,470 won, fueling concerns about instability in the foreign exchange market. [3]

South Korea and Japan Hold Historic Summit, Focus on Economic and Security Cooperation

At the summit, both countries agreed to expand cooperation across economic, security, and science & technology fields. [1]

This marks the first step toward collaboration on sensitive issues like North Korea’s missile programs, signaling a new chapter in bilateral relations. [1]

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s fifth summit with Japan is seen as a positive sign for improving ties and fostering regional stability. [1]

Samsung Biologics and Celltrion Reveal Growth Strategies at J.P. Morgan Conference

During the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in the U.S., Samsung Biologics and Celltrion presented their plans side by side. [5]

Samsung Biologics emphasized its focus on expanding its contract manufacturing (CDMO) business, while Celltrion highlighted its pipeline of 16 new drug candidates. [5]

• Samsung Biologics: Growing through CDMO services
• Celltrion: Accelerating development of 16 new biosimilar and novel drugs

This showcases South Korea’s leading biotech companies making a mark on the global stage, pointing to a bright future for the Korean biotech industry. [5]

Google to Shift Smartphone Production to Vietnam Starting 2026

Google announced it will begin developing and manufacturing Pixel smartphones in Vietnam from 2026. [7]

This move is part of a broader strategy to diversify supply chains away from China amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions and tariff risks. [7]

Apple is also exploring new product development (NPI) in India, accelerating the reshaping of global supply networks across major tech giants. [7]

KOSPI Hits Record High Amid Market Trends

The Korean stock market (KOSPI) continues to surge, hitting new all-time highs. [3]

The rapid rise in the exchange rate, combined with increased market volatility, has investors paying close attention. [1][3]

Despite ongoing disruptions like bus strikes affecting daily commutes, economic indicators remain closely monitored to gauge future trends. [1][4]