By Matt Underwood 
The South Korean won took a slight dip following the announcement of Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election. While the news headlines proclaimed a “tumble,” the actual change was relatively minor. The won had been on a downward trend for some time, and the recent drop was just a small blip on the larger scale.
Many commenters, particularly those of Korean descent, expressed concern about the implications of Trump’s win for the Korean Peninsula, specifically regarding his stance on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Some worried that Trump, in prioritizing China, might tacitly accept North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, potentially even treating it similarly to Pakistan. Others predicted a scenario where Trump would essentially “sell out” South Korea to China, potentially leaving them vulnerable.
The article itself came under fire for its shallowness and lack of analysis. Some criticized the headline, pointing out that a currency doesn’t “tumble” – it’s the exchange rate between two currencies that fluctuates. Others questioned the validity of linking the won’s slight dip to the US election, highlighting that the US dollar experienced a surge against most currencies in the world during that time period.
There was a significant focus on the potential ramifications of a Trump presidency for South Korea’s security and its relationship with the US. Several commenters voiced their belief that the US is unreliable as an ally, citing Trump’s unpredictable behavior and potential for policy reversals. Some even went as far as to predict that South Korea, alongside Japan, Germany, and Poland, might feel compelled to develop their own nuclear weapons programs as a deterrent, given the perceived instability of the US.
The discussion veered into broader geopolitical themes, with concerns about the future of US alliances and the potential for nuclear proliferation. Some argued that a lack of confidence in the US’s commitment to its allies could lead to a domino effect, with other countries seeking nuclear weapons for self-defense.
Amidst the concerns about security, the article’s lack of nuance and its overly simplistic connection between Trump’s win and the won’s slight fluctuation drew significant criticism. Some commenters noted that the US stock market and dollar experienced a significant uptick following Trump’s election victory, and that the won’s movement was likely a result of broader market dynamics rather than a direct consequence of Trump’s win.
The discussion ultimately highlighted the anxieties and uncertainties surrounding a Trump presidency, particularly for South Korea. It underscored the complex geopolitical landscape and the delicate balance of power in the region, with many anticipating significant shifts in international relations and a potential increase in global tensions.