The benchmark KOSPI (South Korea’s main stock index) fell more than 1% to around 6,800 on Monday, reversing the previous session’s gains as investors took profits in chip stocks ahead of Nvidia’s earnings this week. Samsung Electronics plunged more than 6%, while SK hynix gained nearly 2%, reflecting caution over the outlook for the AI-driven semiconductor rally. Rising global bond yields also pressured equities, with the U.S. 30-year Treasury yield reaching its highest level in nearly 20 years. Renewed Middle East tensions pushed Brent crude toward $90 per barrel, raising concerns about higher inflation and weighing on global risk appetite. SK Square fell 1.7%, KB Financial Group dropped 1.6% and Shinhan Financial Group declined 1.4%. Samsung Electronics’ record shareholder-return plan earmarked up to KRW 110 trillion for shareholders this year, including KRW 30 trillion in third-quarter dividends, following SK hynix’s KRW 40 trillion buyback.