South Korean shares closed lower on Friday, snapping a three-day winning streak as investors sold technology heavyweights amid external uncertainties, including concerns over the Trump administration considering a new round of sweeping tariffs on semiconductors.
Shares of major market movers Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and SK Hynix (KRX:000660) fell over 3% and 4%, respectively.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, decreased by 123.49 points, or 1.8%, to close at 6,788.88. The Kosdaq rose by 0.76 points, or 0.09%, to close at 838.41.
In corporate news, Samsung Biologics (KRX:207940) plans to issue 2.27 million new common shares at a par value of 2,500 won per share through a general public offering of forfeited shares after shareholder allotment, bringing the total value of the allotment to 5.68 billion won.
Funds raised via the issuance will be used primarily to acquire securities issued by other corporations, with 294.8 billion won allocated for facility investment, according to a Friday filing with the Korea Exchange.
Shares of Samsung Biologics fell nearly 7% at market close.
In other news, Kyobo Securities (KRX:030610) has increased its borrowings by 2 trillion won, according to a Thursday filing with the Korea Exchange.
The securities company carried out the transaction by increasing the issuance limit of commercial paper and short-term bonds to 4 trillion won from 2 trillion won.
The additional borrowings will support an increase in the company's operating funds.
Shares of Kyobo Securities rose nearly 1% at market close.