The KOSPI fell more than 3% in early trade, slipping below 6,900, after oil surged on escalating Middle East tensions and renewed concerns about upward pressure on interest rates. Foreign investors, net buyers for four straight sessions, turned net sellers of 291.8 billion won; institutional investors sold 71.5 billion won; retail investors bought 380.0 billion won. Large caps: Samsung Electronics down >4%, SK Hynix down >5%, SK Square down >7%, Samsung Electro‑Mechanics down >5%. Sector moves:

The KOSPI fell more than 3% in early trade, slipping below 6,900, after oil surged on escalating Middle East tensions and renewed concerns about upward pressure on interest rates. Foreign investors, net buyers for four straight sessions, turned net sellers of 291.8 billion won; institutional investors sold 71.5 billion won; retail investors bought 380.0 billion won. Large caps: Samsung Electronics down >4%, SK Hynix down >5%, SK Square down >7%, Samsung Electro‑Mechanics down >5%. Sector moves: electrical & electronics -3.40%, IT services -3.28%, manufacturing -2.79%; pharmaceuticals +2.98%, paper & wood +1.13%, diversified services +0.54%.