won rise vs dollar, yen 'warning sign': S.Korea president

SEOUL: The won's fast appreciation against the dollar and the yen is a "warning sign" to the exporters, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said on Monday, underscoring policymakers' concerns about the currency movements.

"Now is high time for the government, businesses and workers to make joint efforts to boost investments, create more job opportunities and increase exports," Lee also said in his biweekly radio speech.

It is rare for the South Korean president to make public remarks about the won's movement against specific currencies. The won has risen 7.2 percent against the dollar so far this year and by 18.1 percent against the yen.