South Korean Shares Extend Losses to Third Session

The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.81% to close at 5,018.85 on Monday, extending its losing streak to a third consecutive session as investors remained cautious amid renewed uncertainty surrounding the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. The index experienced choppy trading, as bargain hunting in semiconductor shares helped limit losses following an easing of concerns over potential AI data-center regulations after the Democrats' strong performance in the US midterm elections. However, sentiment was dampened by fresh uncertainty surrounding Nvidia Corp after the company announced an internal investigation into allegations that CEO Jensen Huang had been targeted by a suspected Chinese spy. Among major stocks, LG Energy Solution (-5.78%), Hyundai Motor (-3.04%), and Samsung SDI (-11.32%) recorded notable losses, while Samsung Electronics (0.05%) and SK Hynix (+0.71%) edged higher.