South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index crashed nearly 10% on Tuesday, triggering a 20-minute trading halt as a massive sell-off engulfed the technology sector.
The sharp decline extended the index's drop from recent record highs, marking one of the most severe single-day corrections in the market's recent history.
The rout was driven by heavy losses in the country's largest semiconductor manufacturers.
Chip giants SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics sank sharply, leading the broader market lower.
The concentrated weakness in these heavyweight names amplified the index's decline, as investors fled risk assets amid the spreading tech sector turmoil.
The sell-off reflects growing volatility in global technology markets, with Asian equities bearing the brunt of the correction.