FX.co ★ South Korean Shares Edge Lower on Middle East Risks

The benchmark KOSPI slipped 0.13% to close at 9,052 on Friday, reversing earlier gains as renewed uncertainty in the Middle East prompted investors to lock in profits after the index’s recent run to record highs. Sentiment deteriorated following the cancellation of planned talks between the United States and Iran, which cast doubt on the durability of the recent peace agreement and dampened risk appetite across regional markets.

Samsung Electronics fell 1.38% after touching new highs earlier in the session, while Doosan Enerbility (-2.41%), Hanwha Aerospace (-6.48%), and KB Financial Group (-6.48%) also retreated. In contrast, SK Hynix proved resilient, gaining 3.35%, alongside SK Square (+5.29%) and Hyundai Mobis (+1.00%).

Despite the pullback, foreign investors remained net buyers of local equities, indicating that underlying demand for South Korean stocks remains solid.