Seoul: The KOSPI 200 index experienced a notable downturn, with several major stocks closing at lower prices. NAVER, a prominent name on the list, ended the trading session at 195,800, marking a decrease of 14,200 from the previous close. Similarly, CheilWorldwide closed at 18,670, down by 620.
According to Yonhap News Agency, LOTTE WELLFOOD saw a decline, closing at 110,800, a drop of 3,100. KEPCO EandC also faced a downturn, with its share price falling by 11,100 to 156,200. Hanwha Ocean and NCsoft were not spared, closing at 119,300 and 213,000, respectively, with declines of 7,700 and 16,500.
Other notable companies such as ShinhanGroup and POONGSAN concluded the session lower, with ShinhanGroup at 91,700, down 1,600, and POONGSAN at 92,700, a decrease of 800. KIWOOM and LGCHEM also witnessed significant drops, closing at 404,000 and 302,000, down by 33,500 and 10,500, respectively.
Despite the widespread decline, SK Innovation and CSWIND managed to buck the trend, closing higher at 115,500 and 64,900, with increases of 1,000 and 1,200, respectively. However, the overall sentiment remained negative as companies like HanmiPharm and Meritz Financial reported decreases, with HanmiPharm closing at 505,000, down 48,000, and Meritz Financial at 111,700, down by 4,000.
The trading day concluded with SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS showing some resilience, closing at 1,585,000, an increase of 13,000. Nevertheless, the general performance of the KOSPI 200 highlighted a challenging period for many of the listed companies.