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| ▲ President Lee Jae Myung speaks during an emergency economy response meeting on Middle East tensions held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on March 9, 2026. (Yonhap) |
Yonhap News Summary
Yonhap News Summary
The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Monday.
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■ Lee says to swiftly introduce fuel price cap as Mideast crisis intensifies
SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung on Monday called for authorities to swiftly introduce a cap on local fuel prices, and preemptive responses to cope with surging gas prices and volatility in foreign exchange markets as the U.S.-led war with Iran has intensified in the Middle East.
Lee made the remarks during an interministerial meeting to assess the latest developments following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, which have prompted the price of Brent oil to surge through US$100 per barrel.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260309005700315?section=national/politics
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■ (LEAD) S. Korean currency slumps to 17-yr low against U.S. dollar amid Iran crisis
SEOUL -- The South Korean won fell to a 17-year low against the U.S. dollar Monday amid heightened market volatility as oil prices spiked following the expanding conflict in the Middle East.
The won was quoted at 1,495.5 won per dollar at 3:30 p.m., down 19.1 won from the previous session, marking the weakest level since March 12, 2009, when the won-dollar rate hit 1,496.5 won during the global financial crisis.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260309002851320?section=economy-finance/economy
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■U.S. investment bill expected to pass Nat'l Assembly this week
SEOUL -- The National Assembly is expected to pass a special bill on South Korea's US$350 billion investment pledge to the United States this week after rival parties reached a bipartisan agreement Monday.
The bill, unanimously approved by the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) at Monday's meeting, will be put up for a vote during a plenary session on Thursday
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260309009200315?section=national/politics
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■ (LEAD) Seoul shares sink nearly 6 pct amid Iran crisis, crude price hike; won sharply down
SEOUL, March 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks fell nearly 6 percent Monday, with the main bourse operator temporarily suspending trading during the morning amid extreme market volatility caused by U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. The local currency fell sharply against the greenback.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) surrendered 333 points, or 5.96 percent, to close at 5,251.87.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260309007751320?section=economy-finance/economy
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■ Prosecutors release identity of suspect accused of murdering two with laced drinks
SEOUL -- Prosecutors on Monday released the identity and mug shots of a 20-year-old woman arrested for allegedly murdering two men with laced drinks.
The mug shots of Kim So-young were made public by the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors Office after undergoing a review by a dedicated committee on such disclosures.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260309008000315?section=national/national
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