The KOSPI fell 25% during the second half of 2026, trailing U.S. and Taiwanese stocks which reached new highs, after having led major global markets in the first half of the year. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which weight over 50% of the index, drove the 31% decline from June's peak amid doubts over the memory-chip boom. Retail involvement also receded, with domestic brokerage deposits falling 40% to approximately 100 trillion won.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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KOSPI Drops 25% to Become Worst Performing Major Market in H2
Global Markets9 days ago
Foreign investors pulled $131B from South Korean equities this year to record the largest capital flight among prominent Asian markets. Trading turnover on the stock exchange collapsed 70% from its June peak to 24.4 trillion won as the AI-driven investment frenzy ended, causing the benchmark index to enter bear market territory.
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