South Korean shares closed sharply lower on Wednesday on renewed US-Iran tensions after the US military's Central Command said it carried out self-defense strikes against Iran after Iranian forces allegedly shot down a U.S. attack helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.
In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched attacks on U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. The IRGC attacked the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait with drones, while also setting off a long-range missile strike against an air base in Jordan's Azraq.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi fell 366.11 points, or 4.5%, to end at 7,730.82. The Kosdaq also decreased by 16.18 points, or 1.7%, to close at 951.63.
South Korea plans to crack down on speculative foreign-exchange trading, with regulators set to carry out on-site inspections and investigations into suspected market-disruptive activities, Bloomberg reported Wednesday, citing Moon Jisung, deputy finance minister for international affairs.
The move comes as the country intensifies its efforts to defend its currency after the won slid to its weakest level since 2009 in the week ended June 6.
The Korean won gained 1.2% to 1,509.50 per dollar on Tuesday, extending its 2% gain on Monday, after the government reaffirmed its commitment to support the currency and investigate speculative trading.
In corporate news, Prestige Biologics (KOSDAQ:334970) secured a contract to manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients from an undisclosed client, according to a Wednesday filing with the Korea Exchange.
The contract, valued at 2.67 billion won, is valid till March 31, 2027.
Shares of Prestige Biologics added nearly 2% at market close.