The benchmark KOSPI slipped 0.6% to around 8,180 on Thursday, easing back from record highs amid renewed uncertainty over US-Iran negotiations. Risk sentiment weakened after US President Donald Trump said Washington remained “not satisfied” with the progress of the talks, while the White House dismissed reports of a breakthrough on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rebounded toward $96 per barrel, further dampening risk appetite.
Technology stocks, which had led recent gains, pulled back, with Samsung Electronics down 1.1%, SK Square off 2.2%, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries falling 2.7%, and Hanwha Aerospace dropping 3.0%.
Even so, broader market sentiment was underpinned by optimism about South Korea’s semiconductor industry. The Bank of Korea raised its 2026 growth forecast to 2.6% from 2.0%, citing strong chip-led exports, and left interest rates unchanged for an eighth consecutive meeting, while warning of ongoing inflation and currency risks.
