Seoul: South Korean stocks started almost flat Wednesday following a record-breaking rally, amid lingering uncertainties over U.S.-Iran peace talks. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) opened at 6,387.57, down 0.9 point, or 0.01 percent.

According to Yonhap News Agency, investor sentiment weakened after Iran rejected a second round of negotiations, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance put his trip to Pakistan on hold, with the end of a two-week ceasefire looming. This uncertainty was reflected in the overnight performance of U.S. stocks, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.59 percent and the Nasdaq Composite declined by the same margin.

After the closing bell, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran until Tehran submits a "unified" proposal, a move that may influence market dynamics in the coming days.