• Korean System Dynamics Review
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.97-131
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to analyze Foreign Exchange(FX) exposure and FX hedge strategy based on the systems thinking perspective using causal loop diagrams. FX exposure has been a critical issue on a business management. Many studies in Korea have researches on variables which make effects to the company value. This study displays causal loop diagrams(CLDs) on these issues. In order to make CLD more objective, most causalities are articulated from recent 72 studies (1998~2013) of domestic top journals. This approach is valuable in that it is the first try to draw all the causalities from various literature review regarding FX exposure and FX hedge strategy. This study is expected to make a useful and basic material to research the financial issues of corporate, as the first research to dynamically understand FX exposure and FX hedge strategy.

• Korean System Dynamics Review
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.5-28
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• 2014

Derivatives can be easily bought by those companies that need to hedge foreign currency debt or foreign currency assets through the financial market, considering their exchange rate exposure from international trade. The derivatives market has been growing rapidly due to the needs for investment and hedging. To manage foreign exchange risk, companies hedge risks through financial derivatives. According to our study, hedging is an effective way to mitigate the impact of exposure to exchange risk, as long as companies are only hedging underlying assets. Yet, covetous attitude toward the profit from derivatives and unexpected changes in exchange rate can cause problems for companies. This study analyzed the structural risks of derivatives with analysis of system dynamics. In particular, many companies suffered substantial loss due to KIKO during the economic crisis. We explained the problem therein through dynamic analysis. In addition, we revealed the structural problem that could cause a sudden spike in losses through simulations.

• East Asian Journal of Business Economics (EAJBE)
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.1-12
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• 2018

Purpose - This paper tests the effect of the structure of manufacturing and marketing subsidiary network on FX exposure of Korean MNEs. Furthermore, the moderating effect of pass-through ability on the relationship between the subsidiary network and FX exposure is explored. Research design and methodology - This study utilizes a sample of 309 Korean MNEs constructed from database offered by KOTRA and KIS-VALUE. Results - As operational flexibility arising from having operations in multiple locations provides an option for firms to tackle FX exposure, greater breadth of manufacturing subsidiary network reduces FX exposure, and greater depth increases FX exposure. However, both the breadth and depth of marketing subsidiary network decrease FX exposure due to the firm's higher level of market presence and knowledge to devise an appropriate marketing strategy that can buffer adverse exchange rate movement. Such an effect is intensified when MNE's have FX exposure pass-through ability stemming from differentiated good. Conclusions - Empirical findings suggest that types and structure of Korean MNEs' foreign subsidiary network are closely related to the level of FX exposure they are experiencing. Also, they can utilize marketing subsidiary network more efficiently when having a higher R&D intensity.

• Korea Trade Review
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.103-120
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• 2022

This paper studies the possibility of options as an instrument for central bank to intervene foreign exchange market. As opposed to spot transaction or forward transaction, which impacts spot exchange rate only once, currency options can continuously resist a directional speculative pressure on spot market due to the dynamic delta hedging of OTC currency options market maker. This research also analyzes whether and how central banks can use currency options to lower exchange rate volatility and maintain (implicit) target zones in foreign exchange markets. It argues that short position rather than long position in options will result in market makers dynamically hedging their long option exposure in a stabilizing manner, consistent with the first objective. Selling a "Strangle" allows a central bank to increase the credibility of its commitment to a target zone, and could have a lower expected cost than spot market interventions. However, this strategy also exposes the central bank to an unlimited loss potential. Therefore these kinds of intervention strategies must be used in the short run and temporarily.

• The Korean Journal of Financial Management
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.31-64
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• 2009

This article investigates the short-term cash flow exposures to Korea's major trading partners' currencies based on the kospi and kosdaq firm data from 2000 to 2008. The cash flow approach allows us to analyze the influence on operational performances of individual firm's hedging strategies. Taken all three foreign exchange rates together, more than 30% of the sample firms exhibit significant exposure. Given that the short-term cash flow is rather easy to hedge, the result proves a poor exchange rate risk management practices of Korean firms. Kosdaq firms are more exposed than Kospi firms. On the contrary to the previous researches using stock prices, the operational cash flows show a positive relationship with the value of foreign currencies. The exchange rate-firm sample further shows that the size and leverage affect the level of exposure.

• East Asian Journal of Business Economics (EAJBE)
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.1-15
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• 2018

Purpose - This study investigates the effect of MNEs' characteristics on the use of foreign currency denominated debt in the context of Korean firms. This study examines the relationship between MNEs and the use of foreign debt focusing on the accessibility to the capital market in addition to the motive of hedging against foreign exchange exposure. Research design and methodology - Probit estimation is employed for estimating significant factors in determination of the use of foreign debt by firms. The dependent variable is a dummy variable to indicate whether a firm uses foreign debt or not at the end of 2004. Independent variables include foreign subsidiaries ratio, export to sale, R&D expenditure to sale, and credit rating. Results - The results show that the interaction between the level of internationalization represented by intra-regional diversification and the strategic characteristics embedded in the region of entry affects the use of foreign debt. In case of a high level of diversification within the developing region with a strong pursuit of asset exploitation, MNEs are more likely to use foreign debt, whereas a high level of diversification within the developed region with a strong pursuit of asset seeking, MNEs are less likely to use foreign debt. Conclusions - The differences between MNEs in terms of intra-regional diversification, strategic orientation, and the accessibility to capital markets as well as the hedging motive affect the use of foreign debt.

• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.45-62
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• 2022

Purpose - Using unexpected changes in geopolitical tensions on the Korean peninsula as a quasi-natural experimental setting, we examine whether and how geopolitical risks travel across borders through firm-level imports and exports linkages. We also test whether the effects are driven by either imports or exports and assess whether firms can effectively hedge themselves against geopolitical risks. Design/methodology - We focus on a series of unanticipated geopolitical events taken place in Korea in 2018. Making use of the shocks to geopolitical climate, we identify five milestone events toward peace talks. We employ the event studies methodology. We examine heterogenous firm-level stock price reactions around key event dates depending on firms' exposure to geopolitical risks. As a measure of firms' exposure to geopolitical risks in Korea, we utilize a text-based measure of firm-level trade links. When a firm announces and discusses its purchase of inputs from Korea or sales of outputs to Korea in their annual disclosure filings, we define a firm to have a trade relationship with Korea and have exposure to Korean geopolitical risks. Similarly, we use a measure of a firm's hedging policies based on a firm's textual mention of the use of foreign exchange derivatives in their annual disclosure. Findings - We find that U.S. firms that have direct trade links to Korea gained significantly more value when the intensity of geopolitical risks drops compared to firms without such trade links to Korea. The effects are pronounced for firms purchasing inputs from or selling outputs to Korea. We find that the effectiveness of foreign exchange hedging against geopolitical risks is limited. Originality/value - We document the international transmission of geopolitical uncertainty through trade linkages. Export links as well as import links serve as important nexus of transmission of geopolitical risks across borders. Hedging strategies involving foreign-exchanges derivatives do not seem to insulate firms again geopolitical risks. With the recent movements of localization and reshuffling of the global value chain, our results suggest a significant impact of geopolitical risks in Korea on the construction of the global value chain.