Why did Seoul stocks fall on Monday morning?

Investor sentiment weakened because anticipated Iran-Gulf talks on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz were postponed. Warnings from AI firms executives about the pace of technology development also weighed on the market.

How much did the KOSPI and major stocks move in late Monday trading?

The KOSPI was down 151.27 points, or 2.19 percent, to 6,758.64 at 11:27 a.m. Samsung Electronics fell 2.31 percent, SK hynix dropped 4.3 percent, and Hyundai Motor lost 3.01 percent, while Hanwha Aerospace rose 4.07 percent.

What was the won-dollar exchange rate when Seoul shares weakened?

The Korean won was quoted at 1,344.3 per U.S. dollar, edging up 0.2 won from the previous stock trading session. The currency movement was reported alongside the stock market drop.

Seoul stocks sharply down late Mon. morning amid Mideast uncertainties, AI warning

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Summary

Seoul stocks fell sharply late Monday morning, with the benchmark KOSPI down 2.19 percent at 6,758.64 at 11:27 a.m. Market sentiment weakened after anticipated Iran-Gulf talks on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz were postponed and AI-related warnings from company executives added pressure. Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, LG Energy Solution and Hyundai Motor all declined, while Hanwha Aerospace rose. The won was quoted at 1,344.3 against the U.S. dollar.

Key Facts

After opening more than 3 percent lower, the KOSPI fell 151.27 points to 6,758.64 as of 11:27 a.m.
Samsung Electronics dropped 2.31 percent and SK hynix slipped 4.3 percent.
LG Energy Solution retreated 1.11 percent, while Hyundai Motor fell 3.01 percent.
Hanwha Aerospace gained 4.07 percent during the same session.
The Korean won traded at 1,344.3 against the U.S. dollar, up 0.2 won from the previous session close.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 14, 2026 9:15 am KST
Updated Sep 14, 2026 11:51 am KST

Officials work at a dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

Seoul stocks were trading sharply lower, as uncertainties in the Middle East and artificial intelligence (AI)-related warnings dampened investor sentiment.

After opening over 3 percent lower, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 151.27 points, or 2.19 percent, to 6,758.64, as of 11:27 a.m.

Investors remained on the sidelines as anticipated Iran-Gulf talks on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz were postponed.

Also, warnings from AI firms' executives over the pace of technology development dampened investor sentiment.

Market top-cap Samsung Electronics fell 2.31 percent, and its rival SK hynix dipped 4.3 percent.

Battery maker LG Energy Solution retreated 1.11 percent, carmaker Hyundai Motor tumbled 3.01 percent, while defense giant Hanwha Aerospace strengthened 4.07 percent.

The Korean won was quoted at 1,344.3 won against the U.S. dollar, up 0.2 won from the close of the previous stock trading session.

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