iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
South Korea’s KOSPI fell as much as 2.28% in reported morning trading on Oct. 12, 2026, as coverage pointed to rising oil prices and renewed Middle East tensions as concerns weighing on sentiment. The precise decline depended on the time of the report: Yonhap put the index at 6,474.95, down 150.98 points, at 9:15 a.m. Korea time. This was an intraday snapshot, not the closing result.
How far did the KOSPI fall?
Reports captured different points in the morning session, so their percentages are not competing estimates of the close.
| Report and observation time | KOSPI level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| The Economic Times, 0157 GMT on Oct. 12 | 6,511.13 | Down 114.80 points, or 1.73% (The Economic Times) |
| Yonhap, 9:15 a.m. Korea time on Oct. 12 | 6,474.95 | Down 150.98 points, or 2.28% (Yonhap News Agency) |
| Seoul Economic Daily, 9:58 a.m. Korea time on Oct. 12 | Not stated in the cited report | Down 2.33% (Seoul Economic Daily) |
The figures are timestamped observations during trading. The available reports do not establish the final KOSPI close or the full-session investor flows.
Why were South Korean shares falling?
Oil prices and geopolitical risk
Market coverage connected the decline to higher oil prices amid renewed tensions in the Middle East. Yonhap reported that oil had risen following renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s main airport over the weekend. The concern described in the coverage was that a broader regional conflict could disrupt energy supplies, fuel inflation and add pressure for higher interest rates. These are reported market concerns, not proof that any one factor caused the selloff or that rates would rise.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Seoul Economic Daily also cited concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as part of the market’s oil-risk backdrop. Neither report establishes the extent of any actual supply disruption.
Technology stocks weighed on the index
Yonhap said technology shares led the decline. In its later-morning snapshot, Samsung Electronics was down 2% and SK hynix was down 2.86%. Those are share-price changes at the reported observation, not full-session results.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Foreign selling and AI-related concerns
Yonhap reported net foreign selling of 699.27 billion won in its morning snapshot; that figure should not be read as the total for the trading day. Seoul Economic Daily additionally cited worries about overheated AI-related equities.
Recommended Free Tools
What else was happening in markets?
Yonhap noted that the KOSPI fell despite gains in the preceding Friday’s U.S. session: the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.83% and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.64%. That contrast shows the Seoul decline did not simply mirror those two U.S. indexes’ reported Friday moves.
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
At 11:20 a.m. Korea time, Yonhap quoted the won at 1,335.35 per U.S. dollar, 6.65 won weaker than its previous-session close. This is a separate time-specific currency quote, not an exchange-rate measure for the whole day.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the reports do—and do not—show
The reports document a sharp morning decline and identify oil, regional risk, technology weakness and foreign selling as factors cited in contemporaneous coverage. They do not establish that Middle East tensions alone caused the move, verify the reported attack details independently, or show where the market finished on Oct. 12. Yonhap had also reported a 0.6% KOSPI decline at the close on Aug. 7, 2026, amid renewed Middle East tensions and foreign selling; that earlier episode is context, not proof of a recurring causal pattern.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
