[Digital Today reporter Sang-yeop Oh] South Korea's KOSPI is down nearly 1 percent in early trade on March 26, repeatedly swinging in the upper 5,500 range. The KOSDAQ, meanwhile, is slightly higher and has recovered the 1,160 level.

As of 9:24 a.m., the KOSPI is at 5,595.81, down 46.40 points, or 0.82 percent, from the previous session. The index opened at 5,594.06, down 48.15 points, or 0.85 percent, and extended losses, at one point sliding to 5,551.55.

By investor type, foreigners and institutions are net sellers of 443.7 billion won and 108.0 billion won, respectively, dragging the index lower. Individuals are net buyers of 523.2 billion won.

Top stocks by market capitalisation are mixed.

Samsung Electronics is down 2.12 percent at 185,000 won, and SK Hynix is down 2.31 percent at 972,000 won. Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution, SK Square and Kia are also lower, down 0.80 percent, 0.38 percent, 2.81 percent and 1.14 percent, respectively.

Samsung Biologics, Hanwha Aerospace and Doosan Enerbility are higher, up 1.01 percent, 0.36 percent and 0.10 percent, respectively.

At the same time, the KOSDAQ is up 7.40 points, or 0.64 percent, from the previous session at 1,166.95.

In the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won is at 1,504.40 per dollar, down 0.10 won, or 0.01 percent, from the previous session.