HLB Pharmaceutical (047920) plunged in early trading on the 20th, triggering the Volatility Interruption (VI) mechanism consecutively.

The downward trend continued in the regular session following the pre-market alternative trading system (NXT), reflecting shrinking investor sentiment.

According to the Korea Exchange, HLB Pharmaceutical was trading at 7,980 won as of 10:34 a.m. on the day, down 14.83% from the previous trading day.

For HLB Pharmaceutical, the VI was first triggered in the pre-market NXT at 8:00:02 a.m. and lifted at 8:02:02 a.m. In the regular session, the VI was triggered again at 10:29:27 a.m. and lifted at 10:31:29 a.m.

The stock's weakness is spreading across the broader HLB group. At the same time, HLB was down 13% at 30,500 won, HLB Life Science fell more than 11%, HLB Innovation dropped more than 10%, and HLB Therapeutics declined more than 9%, with most major group stocks sliding in unison.

At the same time, both major indices are weak, with the KOSPI down more than 3% and the KOSDAQ down more than 4%. Some analysts note that the broader market's risk-off sentiment is amplifying the decline in HLB group stocks.

Given that HLB group stocks have exhibited significant short-term volatility recently due to clinical trial-related news, investors need to closely monitor additional volatility and supply-demand dynamics in the afternoon session as well.

[※ Investment decisions are the responsibility of the individual, and this article does not recommend buying or selling any specific stock.]