South Korea's KOSPI Triggers Circuit Breaker 6 Times in 9 Trading Days This Month

According to researcher Han Ji-young of Kiwoom Securities, South Korea's KOSPI has triggered circuit breakers (trading halts) 6 times in 9 trading days this month as of July 13, marking unusual market volatility. The frequency has reached roughly once every four days, driven by a combination of concerns over peak semiconductor business cycles, the high concentration of semiconductor stocks (accounting for nearly 60% of KOSPI's market capitalization), and leveraged trading flows.

The semiconductor selloff has been amplified by geopolitical tensions. Crude oil prices rose, with WTI (West Texas Intermediate) climbing to $74 per barrel amid U.S.-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz closure, while the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rose to 4.58%, adding macroeconomic headwinds to the market.