The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.4% to around 4,440 on Tuesday, pulling back from record highs as investors locked in gains following the sharp rally in the previous session. The decline was led by foreign investors turning net sellers, after accumulating more than KRW 2.8 trillion worth of shares over the past two trading days. After the KOSPI broke above the 4,400-point level for the first time, market participants grew cautious about chasing prices higher, reducing their exposure at elevated levels. Profit-taking pressure was amplified by selling in index heavyweights, particularly in the technology sector, where recent gains had been most pronounced. Samsung Electronics slipped 2.0% and SK hynix dropped 1.7%. Losses were also seen in SK Square (-0.7%), Hanwha Aerospace (-0.3%), and Kia Corporation (-0.3%). At the same time, the won’s softness near 1,447 per dollar added a cautious undertone to overall sentiment.
