The benchmark KOSPI fell more than 4% to around 5,200 on Monday, extending losses toward its lowest level in nearly four weeks as escalating tensions in the Middle East dampened risk appetite. Investor anxiety intensified after Yemen’s Houthi forces launched missile attacks on Israel over the weekend, marking a broadening of the conflict and triggering a global risk-off move, with major US and Asian equities also declining. Rising oil prices added further pressure, with crude climbing above $100 per barrel amid fears of supply disruptions, exacerbating concerns over South Korea’s energy-dependent economy and fueling inflation and growth risks. The Korean won remained under pressure near the 1,500-per-dollar level, as continued foreign outflows amplified downside momentum. Losses were broad-based across large caps, including Samsung Electronics (-4.0%), SK hynix (-6.3%), Hyundai Motor (-5.7%), SK Square (-7.5%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-5.8%).
