The benchmark KOSPI edged down 0.3% to around 6,455 on Friday, pausing its recent record rally as investors remained cautious amid persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The US ordered naval action against vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran seized commercial ships and signaled the waterway may remain disrupted. The developments heightened concerns over global oil supply despite a temporary ceasefire extension between Israel and Lebanon. Losses were led by weakness in technology shares, tracking an overnight pullback on Wall Street, alongside profit-taking after recent record highs, with Samsung Electronics (-1.8%) and SK Hynix (-0.2%) declining. Automakers also came under pressure, with Hyundai Motor (-3.4%) and Kia Corporation (-2.7%) posting notable losses. Meanwhile, heightened tensions triggered a rotation into defense-related stocks, partially offsetting broader declines, with gains in Hanwha Aerospace and Doosan Enerbility.
