[Digital Today reporter Sangyeob Oh (오상엽)] The KOSPI ended slightly lower on weakness in large semiconductor stocks. The Kosdaq index, by contrast, surged more than 8 percent and triggered a buy sidecar, as the two markets moved in opposite directions.

On June 29, the KOSPI closed down 16.56 points, or 0.20 percent, at 8,394.65 from the previous session. The index opened down 76.93 points, or 0.91 percent, at 8,334.28 and slid to the 8,100 level during the session, but later pared losses and at one point regained the 8,500 level.

In the main board market, individuals and institutions net bought 4.5963 trillion won and 2.9329 trillion won, respectively. Foreigners net sold 7.7329 trillion won, adding downward pressure on the index.

Among top market-cap stocks, semiconductor shares were weak. Samsung Electronics closed down 16,500 won, or 4.86 percent, at 323,000 won. SK Hynix fell 45,000 won, or 1.68 percent, to 2,628,000 won.

SK Square fell 4.65 percent, Samsung Life dropped 5.55 percent and Samsung C&T declined 4.75 percent. Samsung Electro-Mechanics rose 2.26 percent, Hyundai Motor gained 3.43 percent and Samsung Biologics climbed 7.82 percent. LG Energy Solution closed up 69,000 won, or 20.81 percent, at 400,500 won.

The Kosdaq closed up 69.20 points, or 8.13 percent, at 920.57 from the previous session. It extended gains from early trading to regain the 900 level, and the rally continued, triggering a buy sidecar that temporarily halted the effectiveness of program buy orders in the Kosdaq market.

As of the close, the won-dollar exchange rate was 1,545.10 won per dollar, up 7.60 won, or 0.49 percent, from the previous session.