The Korean won weakened sharply on Tuesday against the dollar on unconfirmed reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is seriously ill.
The Korean won last fell 0.74% to trade at 1,229.59 per dollar. Earlier in the day, it fell as low as 1,241.15 against the greenback on conflicting reports that Kim was unwell.
The South Korean markets also saw declines, with the Kospi closing 1% lower on the day, while the Kosdaq index ended the day 1.42% lower. Shares of defense firm Victek skyrocketed 23.76% while North Korea exposed stocks Hanil Hyundai Cement and Hyundai Elevator dropped 2.48% and 4.7%, respectively.
The moves came after CNN reported Tuesday, citing an unnamed U.S. official with direct knowledge, that Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim is in "grave danger after a surgery."
