South Korean Shares Fall on Middle East Tensions

2026-07-13 01:40 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI fell more than 3% to around 7,220 on Monday, reversing gains from the previous session, as renewed US-Iran military strikes and a surge in oil prices dampened global risk appetite.

Tehran claimed it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over potential disruptions to oil shipments.

The selloff was led by technology shares, with SK Hynix (-8.1%) tumbling as investors locked in profits following its Nasdaq debut on Friday, while analysts cited easing optimism over near-term earnings and slower-than-expected HBM4 shipment growth.

Samsung Electronics (-3.7%), SK Square (-10.2%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-11.4%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-1.9%) also declined.

Broader sentiment toward South Korea's semiconductor sector remained fragile after the KOSPI shed almost 8% last week.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Korea said the AI-driven chip supercycle remains intact, citing continued supply constraints and robust global demand for advanced memory chips.



News Stream
South Korean Shares Fall on Middle East Tensions
The benchmark KOSPI fell more than 3% to around 7,220 on Monday, reversing gains from the previous session, as renewed US-Iran military strikes and a surge in oil prices dampened global risk appetite. Tehran claimed it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over potential disruptions to oil shipments. The selloff was led by technology shares, with SK Hynix (-8.1%) tumbling as investors locked in profits following its Nasdaq debut on Friday, while analysts cited easing optimism over near-term earnings and slower-than-expected HBM4 shipment growth. Samsung Electronics (-3.7%), SK Square (-10.2%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-11.4%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-1.9%) also declined. Broader sentiment toward South Korea's semiconductor sector remained fragile after the KOSPI shed almost 8% last week. Meanwhile, the Bank of Korea said the AI-driven chip supercycle remains intact, citing continued supply constraints and robust global demand for advanced memory chips.
2026-07-13
South Korean Shares Extend Gains
The benchmark KOSPI rose 2.52% to close at 7,476 on Friday, extending gains from the previous session as chipmakers tracked an overnight rally in global semiconductor stocks. Tech shares led the advance, with Samsung Electronics climbing 2.88%, while Samsung Electro-Mechanics advanced 6.10%. Other notable performers included SK Square (5.88%), Hyundai Motor (3.14%), LG Energy Solution (4.31%), KB Financial Group (8.05%), Doosan Enerbility (6.97%), and Kia Corporation (1.66%). Investor confidence was also supported by easing oil prices despite renewed US-Iran tensions, as reports that Iran sought negotiations helped ease concerns about prolonged supply disruptions and inflationary pressures. Additionally, President Lee Jae Myung and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh agreed to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, trade, and advanced technologies, reinforcing optimism over South Korea's long-term supply chain security and high-tech industries.
2026-07-10
South Korean Shares Edge Higher on Chip Gains
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.62% to close at 7,292 on Thursday, recovering modestly from an over one-month low as chipmakers led the gains. Semiconductor shares found support after reports that SK hynix's planned US ADR offering was more than seven times oversubscribed, reflecting strong investor demand for the AI memory chipmaker. SK hynix climbed 5.83%, while Samsung Electronics edged up 0.36%, after suffering sharp declines a day earlier, helping lift the index. Other notable gainers included SK Square (4.80%), SK Inc. (2.36%), LS Electric Co. (2.13%), and Hyosung Heavy Industries (3.87%). Additionally, sentiment was supported after the Asian Development Bank raised South Korea's 2026 growth forecast to 2.6% from 1.9%, citing robust global AI demand and strong semiconductor exports as key drivers of economic growth. Meanwhile, renewed US-Iran tensions kept investors cautious as higher oil prices fueled inflation concerns and weighed on global risk appetite.
2026-07-09