The KOSPI fell more than 1% on the 28th, ahead of the weekend, slipping below the 6,800 level. Top stocks by market capitalization were mostly sluggish, though some names such as Samsung Electro-Mechanics managed to rise despite the index's decline.

KOSPI Closes Down 1.79% at 6,788.88

The KOSPI finished the day at 6,788.88, down 123.49 points (1.79%) from the previous trading day. As the index fell below the 6,800 mark, investor sentiment contracted, particularly around large-cap stocks. Of the top 10 stocks by market capitalization, six declined while four closed higher.

Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix and Other Semiconductor Large-Caps Fall Together

Samsung Electronics closed down 3.38% at 257,000 won. SK Hynix also ended the session down 4.45% at 1,653,000 won, as semiconductor large-caps weakened across the board.

Samsung Electronics preferred shares fell 3.86% to 186,800 won, and SK Square dropped 3.75% to 1,028,000 won. LG CNS recorded a relatively limited decline of 0.13% to close at 370,000 won.

Samsung Biologics plunged 6.78% to finish at 1,486,000 won, posting the largest drop among the top market-cap stocks.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Hyundai Motor, KB Financial Rise

Meanwhile, some stocks maintained their upward momentum despite the index's decline. Samsung Electro-Mechanics closed 2.60% higher at 1,421,000 won, and Hyundai Motor gained 0.38% to 399,500 won.

Samsung Life Insurance rose 0.98% to close at 310,000 won, while KB Financial Group climbed 2.08% to finish at 171,600 won. Notably, KB Financial drew attention with a relatively solid performance among financial stocks.

Attention Turns to Whether Losses Can Be Recovered on the Last Trading Day of August

With the KOSPI losing the 6,800 level, attention is focused on whether the losses can be recovered on the last trading day of August, which is also the start of a new week. Whether semiconductor large-caps such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix rebound, along with overall supply-and-demand shifts in top market-cap stocks, are cited as key variables that will determine the index's direction.

[※ This article is for investment reference purposes only; investment decisions and responsibilities lie with the investor.]