South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index turned lower late Monday morning, reversing earlier gains as selling pressure from both foreign and domestic institutional investors intensified.

The decline followed a mixed close on Wall Street, with global risk sentiment cooling ahead of a critical period for local equities.

38% amid tech sector turbulence, and opened lower on Friday following overnight losses on Wall Street.

The sell-off reflects growing caution among market participants as major Korean companies prepare to release their second-quarter earnings reports.

Investors appear to be reducing exposure in anticipation of potential guidance updates or mixed results, particularly in the technology sector, which has been a focal point of recent volatility.

This session’s weakness continues a broader trend of instability in Asian markets.

The KOSPI had previously erased early gains on Tuesday, closing down 0.38% amid tech sector turbulence, and opened lower on Friday following overnight losses on Wall Street.