17.04.202601:40:18UTC+00South Korean Shares Fall on Profit-Taking

The benchmark KOSPI slipped 0.5% to around 6,195 on Friday, ending a three-session winning streak as investors locked in profits after the recent rally and stayed cautious about developments in the Middle East. The index had closed above the 6,200 mark in the prior session for the first time since the onset of the US–Iran conflict, a milestone that triggered profit-taking.

Major constituents retreated, including Samsung Electronics (-0.3%) and SK hynix (-0.6%), as well as Hanwha Aerospace (-4.6%), Doosan Enerbility (-1.5%), and Woori Financial Group (-0.4%).

Market sentiment was additionally restrained by persistent uncertainty, despite signs that geopolitical tensions may be easing. The US indicated progress in ceasefire talks involving Iran and a temporary truce between Israel and Lebanon, developments that raised hopes for de-escalation but fell short of providing confidence in a durable agreement, keeping risk appetite subdued.

At the same time, elevated energy prices and ongoing supply risks continued to weigh on the outlook for South Korea, a major energy importer.