[Digital Today, reporter Oh Sang-yup (오상엽)] South Korean stocks closed lower as geopolitical uncertainty persisted. Uncertainty over talks between the United States and Iran added to the burden on overall investor sentiment, it said.
The KOSPI closed down 181.75 points, or 3.22 percent, at 5,460.46 on Wednesday.
Foreign investors net sold 3.098 trillion won worth of shares, and institutions also sold 337.9 billion won. Retail investors net bought 3.059 trillion won, helping limit the decline.
Most of the top 10 stocks by market capitalisation ended lower.
SK Hynix fell 62,000 won, or 6.23 percent, to 933,000 won, posting the biggest drop. Samsung Electronics fell 8,900 won, or 4.71 percent, to 180,100 won.
SK Square fell 7.77 percent, LG Energy Solution fell 2.41 percent, Hyundai Motor fell 2.20 percent, Hanwha Aerospace fell 2.21 percent, Kia fell 2.03 percent and Doosan Enerbility fell 1.66 percent. Samsung Biologics finished flat.
The Kosdaq also fell 22.91 points, or 1.98 percent, to close at 1,136.64.
The won-dollar exchange rate rose 1.70 won, or 0.11 percent, from the previous day to 1,506.20 won.
Oh Sang-yup
yub@d-today.co.kr