Korean Stock Market News Summary

📉 Korean Markets Plunge on First Day of Rate Hike — KOSPI & KOSDAQ Both Trigger Sidecar

South Korean markets suffered heavy losses on the first day following the Bank of Korea’s interest rate hike, with both KOSPI and KOSDAQ triggering sidecar circuit breakers. Samsung Electronics dropped 8.77% (₩24,500) to ₩255,000, while SK Hynix plummeted 11.53% (₩24,000). Analysts noted that elevated exchange rate levels could weigh on foreign investor sentiment and overall market liquidity.

🖤 “Black Thursday” — Markets Crash Over 6%, KOSPI Breaks Below 7,000

In what traders are calling “Black Thursday,” the KOSPI index fell more than 6%, breaking below the 7,000-point threshold once again. The sell-off was triggered after SK Hynix’s U.S.-listed ADR tumbled 9% overnight on the New York Stock Exchange, compounded by the Bank of Korea’s rate hike decision. Foreign and institutional investors led the selling, with net sell volumes of approximately ₩1.3 trillion and ₩2.3 trillion, respectively. Samsung Electronics fell 8% to the ₩250,000 range, while SK Hynix dropped 11% to the ₩1.84 million range.

💻 Semiconductor Selloff Drives KOSPI Below 7,000 Again

The KOSPI index broke below the 7,000-point level on the 16th, dragged down by weakness in semiconductor stocks following SK Hynix’s sharp ADR decline in the U.S. market. Notable declines included:

  • SK Square: -12.3%
  • Samsung Electro-Mechanics: -9.6%
  • Hyundai Motor: -2.1%
  • LG Energy Solution: -0.3%

🤖 Hyundai Motor Group Acquires 100% of Boston Dynamics, Accelerates Physical AI Strategy

Hyundai Motor Group has secured full ownership of Boston Dynamics after SoftBank of Japan exercised its put option on its remaining 9.65% stake, pursuant to a contract originally signed in 2020. The put option allowed SoftBank to sell its shares under pre-agreed terms, completing Hyundai’s full acquisition of the robotics firm. This move is seen as a significant step in Hyundai Motor Group’s push to accelerate its Physical AI strategy.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.