▲ This photo taken March 3, 2026, shows the dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul after the market close. (Yonhap)

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KOSPI opens sharply lower following over 7 pct dip amid Middle East tension

SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- Seoul shares opened sharply lower Wednesday following a 7 percent plunge a session earlier amid escalating woes over ongoing U.S.-led air strikes on Iran.

After opening 3.44 percent lower, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) was quoted at 5,579.06 at 9:12 a.m., down 212.85 points, or 3.67 percent.

The index plunged 7.24 percent to close at 5,791.91 as investor sentiment was dampened by escalating geopolitical concerns triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The United States and Israel conducted coordinated attacks on Iran over the weekend and killed Tehran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with U.S. President Donald Trump hinting at a potentially prolonged operation.

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