South Korean shares opened lower on Friday, as investors held on to their profits after two consecutive days of gains, after energy supply concerns rose again following escalated tensions in the Middle East.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, declined by 136.11 points, to open at 7,353.94. The Kosdaq gained marginally to open at 1,199.47.
The tension between the U.S. and Iran escalated on Friday after U.S. forces targeted Iranian military facilities that launched attacks against warships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command said.
The U.S. military said in a statement that U.S. forces do "not seek escalation."
Iran's armed forces said the U.S. military's airstrikes on Thursday night hit civilian areas along the coasts of Qeshm Island, Bandar Khamir and Sirik.
These renewed tensions sent Brent crude 2.3% higher to over $102 a barrel, as investors were concerned that the Middle East crisis would extend the continued the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.