South Korean corporate sentiment weakened in September for the first time in three months, with the Bank of Korea's all-industry Composite Business Sentiment Index falling 0.5 point to 99.1. The survey, conducted from Sept. 10 to 17 among 3,163 companies nationwide, followed consecutive gains in July and August that lifted the index to a four-year high in August. Manufacturing sentiment fell 4.3 points to 99.5, below the 100 long-term average, as reduced operating days during the Chuseok holiday, the prolonged Middle East war and partial strikes at some complete vehicle manufacturers weighed on inventories, new orders and production. Non-manufacturing sentiment rose 2.2 points to 98.9, its highest level since September 2023, supported by holiday demand and increased outdoor activity in cooler weather. The broader Economic Sentiment Index rose 0.5 point to 99.9, while a separate Federation of Korean Industries survey pointed to an October decline among South Korea's 600 largest companies.