South Korea's won slid toward its weakest level since the global financial crisis on Wednesday, leading Asian currency losses as the dollar strengthened and overseas investors sold local equities. The currency dropped as much as 0.6% to 1,559.10 per dollar, approaching the 1,562.20 mark last seen in March 2009.

Foreign investors offloaded 1.46 trillion won ($938 million) of Kospi index stocks, extending outflows to an eighth straight day. The sustained selling reflects mounting concerns about South Korea's export-dependent economy amid trade tensions and a strengthening greenback. Overseas funds have been steadily reducing exposure since mid-June.

The won's weakness mirrors broader emerging market currency pressures from rising U.S. yields and Fed tightening expectations. South Korea's vulnerability stems from its heavy export reliance and relatively open capital account, making it sensitive to global risk sentiment shifts. Investors are watching Bank of Korea policy signals, though intervention capacity remains limited.

The currency's trajectory will likely depend on upcoming trade negotiations and domestic economic data releases in coming weeks.