South Korean stocks fell sharply on Monday as traders returned from a long holiday and assessed the risk that a new round of Middle East attacks could further disrupt global energy supplies. The KOSPI dropped 241.69 points, or 3.65%, to 6,384.24 — its lowest close since Aug. 11. The won strengthened, reaching its strongest intraday level versus the dollar since Oct. 4, 2024, while benchmark government bond yields fell. Chip names led losses: Samsung Electronics down 4.39%, SK Hynix down 4.52%. O

South Korean stocks fell sharply on Monday as traders returned from a long holiday and assessed the risk that a new round of Middle East attacks could further disrupt global energy supplies. The KOSPI dropped 241.69 points, or 3.65%, to 6,384.24 — its lowest close since Aug. 11. The won strengthened, reaching its strongest intraday level versus the dollar since Oct. 4, 2024, while benchmark government bond yields fell. Chip names led losses: Samsung Electronics down 4.39%, SK Hynix down 4.52%. Other large caps: LG Energy Solution -0.75%, Hyundai Motor -1.39%, Kia +1.22%. Foreign investors were net sellers of Korean equities for 2.0169 trillion won.