KOSPI Index Falls as Samsung and SK Hynix Lead Semiconductor Selloff

South Korea’s KOSPI declined as sharp losses in semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix weighed heavily on the index. Samsung fell more than 4%, while SK Hynix dropped nearly 3%, offsetting gains in several other Korean stocks that rose 5–10%. The selloff was driven by foreign investors reducing exposure to semiconductor and large-cap technology shares despite strong chip export data. Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei outperformed as its technology and export stocks remained resilient. Investors will watch whether selling pressure in South Korea’s chip sector eases in the coming sessions.