[Digital Today reporter Sang-yeop Oh (오상엽)] South Korean shares fall in early trading on March 12, giving back the previous day’s gains. The KOSPI is down more than 1 percent, hovering around the 5,550 level, and the KOSDAQ is also slightly lower.

As of 9:09 a.m., the KOSPI is down 57.67 points, or 1.03 percent, from the previous session at 5,552.28. The index opened down 42.3 points, or 0.75 percent, at 5,567.65.

By investor type, individuals are net buyers of 216.2 billion won. Foreigners and institutions are net sellers of 168.7 billion won and 46.7 billion won, respectively.

Most top market-cap stocks are lower.

Samsung Electronics is down 1.89 percent at 186,400 won, and SK Hynix is down 1.99 percent at 936,000 won. Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution, Samsung Biologics and SK Square are also weaker, down 1.70 percent, 0.27 percent, 2.23 percent and 2.30 percent, respectively.

Hanwha Aerospace rises 2.27 percent. Doosan Enerbility and Kia are also higher, up 1.88 percent and 0.68 percent, respectively.

The KOSDAQ is down 1.75 points, or 0.15 percent, at 1,135.08.

In the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won is at 1,484.20 per dollar, up 5.20 won, or 0.35 percent, from the previous session.