The benchmark KOSPI fell more than 2% to around 6,920 on Friday, ending a three-session winning streak as escalating tensions in the Middle East weighed on risk appetite. Brent crude rose above $100 per barrel following reported attacks on Saudi oil tankers, while US President Donald Trump said he was considering a "massive attack" on Iran. Those developments intensified fears of further disruptions to global oil supplies and triggered a broad risk-off move across international markets.
Sentiment was further hit by a selloff in technology stocks after disappointing earnings from major US firms, pressuring South Korean chipmakers in particular. In addition, newly announced US tariffs of up to 12.5% on South Korea and other trading partners over forced labor concerns fueled uncertainty about the country’s export outlook. Among index heavyweights, Samsung Electronics (-3.6%), SK hynix (-3.1%), SK Square (-6.1%), Hyundai Motor (-6.1%), LG Energy Solution (-3.7%), and KB Financial Group (-5.0%) all finished lower.
