The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.28 percent to close at 5,507.01, snapping a four-day winning streak. The index climbed as high as 5,583.74 during the session, extending its record, before retreating in afternoon trading.
Market flows remained volatile. Foreign investors sold a net 1.20 trillion won worth of shares, while individual and institutional investors posted modest net buying.
Heavyweight stocks were mixed. Samsung Electronics gained 1.46 percent to 181,200 won, breaking above the 180,000-won level for the first time. SK hynix slipped 0.9 percent after briefly reclaiming the 900,000-won mark.
Technology and battery-related shares underperformed, with LG Energy Solution and secondary battery stocks posting sharp losses, while selected industrial names showed relative resilience.
On the secondary board, the KOSDAQ dropped 1.77 percent to 1,106.08, pressured by broad-based selling from foreign and institutional investors.
In currency trading, the won weakened, with the dollar rising 3.30 won to 1,445.80, adding to cautious market sentiment.
Postelection euphoria faded in Tokyo, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 losing 1.21 percent to 56,941.97. China’s Shanghai Composite slid 1.2 percent to 4,084.55, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 1.85 percent to 26,532.42.
Looking ahead, Tokyo will operate as usual next week, while Seoul will reopen on Thursday, Hong Kong on Friday and Shanghai on Feb. 24 after the Lunar New Year holidays.
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