South Korea's benchmark Kospi index fell more than 5% on Monday, marking a severe reversal for the market after a period of record highs.
The decline was driven by a broad-based sell-off in semiconductor stocks, as investors rushed to lock in profits following the sector's recent surge.
The sharp drop underscores the volatility inherent in the tech-heavy index when momentum shifts from buying to profit-taking.
The sell-off was particularly acute in the technology sector, which has been the primary engine of the Kospi's recent performance.
Major chipmakers faced heavy selling pressure, dragging the broader index lower.
This move represents a significant correction from the record levels reached in the previous session, highlighting the sensitivity of the market to changes in investor sentiment around semiconductor valuations.