Why did Seoul stocks fall on Monday morning as Samsung Electronics declined?

Investors locked in profits from large-cap tech shares, especially semiconductors, and selling pressure increased after disappointment over Samsung Electronics’ shareholder return plan. Mirae Asset Securities analyst Kim Seok-hwan said that reaction weighed on the market.

What did Samsung Electronics announce in its shareholder return plan?

The chipmaker said it plans to return up to 110 trillion won to shareholders. That includes cash dividends of around 30 trillion won in the third quarter.

How were the KOSPI and the won trading late Monday morning in Seoul?

The KOSPI was down 153.42 points, or 2.22 percent, at 6,759.53 as of 11:18 a.m. The won was trading at 1,377.5 won against the U.S. dollar at 11:20 a.m., up 8.5 won from the previous close.

Stocks extend losses late Monday morning on chip profit-taking

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Summary

Seoul stocks extended losses late Monday morning as investors locked in profits from large-cap tech shares, including semiconductors. The benchmark KOSPI shed 153.42 points, or 2.22 percent, to 6,759.53 as of 11:18 a.m. Selling pressure grew after investors were disappointed by Samsung Electronics’ shareholder return plan. The Korean won was trading at 1,377.5 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:20 a.m., up 8.5 won from the previous session.

Key Facts

Samsung Electronics announced a shareholder return plan targeting a payout of up to 110 trillion won, including cash dividends of around 30 trillion won in the third quarter.
Top-cap Samsung Electronics fell 7.28 percent, while SK hynix declined 0.64 percent.
Hyundai Motor dropped 1.08 percent, KB Financial dipped 1.64 percent, and Doosan Enerbility inched down 0.68 percent.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 24, 2026 9:39 am KST
Updated Aug 24, 2026 11:54 am KST

A screen at the dealing room of Hana Bank’s headquarters in Seoul shows the KOSPI and the Kosdaq, Monday. Yonhap

Seoul stocks extended losses late Monday morning as investors locked in profits from large-cap tech shares, including semiconductors.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) shed 153.42 points, or 2.22 percent, to 6,759.53, as of 11:18 a.m.

After opening lower, the index came under selling pressure, as investors were disappointed over Samsung Electronics' shareholder return plan, Mirae Asset Securities analyst Kim Seok-hwan said.

The chipmaker announced a shareholder return plan targeting a payout of up to 110 trillion won ($79.7 billion), including the distribution of cash dividends of around 30 trillion won in the third quarter.

Most market heavyweights, meanwhile, were trading lower.

Top-cap Samsung Electronics shed 7.28 percent, while rival SK hynix declined 0.64 percent.

Industry leader Hyundai Motor fell 1.08 percent, major bank operator KB Financial dipped 1.64 percent, and nuclear power plant builder Doosan Enerbility inched down 0.68 percent.

The Korean won was trading at 1,377.5 won against the U.S. dollar, as of 11:20 a.m., up 8.5 won against the U.S. dollar compared to the close of the previous stock market session.

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