South Korea's KOSPI index cratered 8.8% on June 8, plunging to the 7,442-7,477 range and triggering the Korea Exchange's Level 1 circuit breaker. Trading was halted for 20 minutes as the AI and semiconductor trade reversed.
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which represent roughly 40% of the KOSPI index, each fell nearly 10%. The KOSDAQ index, South Korea's tech-heavy secondary exchange, dropped more than 7%.
This marks the second time in 2026 that the KOSPI's circuit breaker has been activated. The first was in March due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.