The local currency posted its weakest annual average against the U.S. dollar ever this year, data showed Wednesday, amid political turmoil and increased overseas stock investments by local investors. The won averaged 1,422.16 won against the greenback in onshore trading in 2025, the lowest level on record, according to market data. The previous record yearly low of 1,398.39 won was set in 1998, when Korea was hit by the Asian financial crisis. On Tuesday, the final trading session of the year, the won was quoted at 1,439 per dollar, down 9.2 won from the previous session. Compared with a year earlier, when the country was reeling from political turmoil sparked by then President Yoon Suk Yeol's shocking declaration of martial law, the won has risen by 33.5 won. The won hit a yearly low of 1,484.1 per dollar on April 9, while its strongest level was 1,350 on June 30. The quarterly average stood at 1,452.66 won in the first quarter, 1,404.04 won in the second and 1,385.25 won in the third, before slipping back to 1,450.98 won in the fourth quarter. The won's sharp weakness this year was driven