Japanese and Korean soccer clubs feel salary squeeze as yen, won slide

Sports

Today’s exchange rates test nations’ standing in Asian football

The weak won is making overseas players more expensive for South Korean soccer teams. (Nikkei montage/ Source photos by Reuters and AP)

JOHN DUERDEN

January 12, 2026 12:55 JST

LONDON — Financial authorities in South Korea and Japan are watching with trepidation as their respective currencies slide against the dollar, driving up the price of imports.