The KOSPI fell back to the 5,010 level and closed lower on the 9th. Representative semiconductor stocks such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix declined together, and selling pressure continued in large-cap stocks such as Samsung Electro-Mechanics and LG Energy Solution.

The KOSPI finished the regular session at 5,018.85, down 40.84 points (0.81%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 5,034.20 and rose as high as 5,172.94 during the session before falling to 4,990.66, showing significant volatility.

Market attention also focused on the controversy surrounding Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. As the controversy emerged, attention is being focused on Nvidia's future management stability and its potential impact on the semiconductor industry.

■ CEO Jensen Huang Admits Affair… Nvidia Board Launches Independent Investigation

In a message to employees on the 8th (local time), CEO Huang admitted to an affair. After reports emerged of his relationship with a businesswoman whom U.S. intelligence authorities suspect of links to Chinese intelligence agencies, Nvidia's board launched an independent investigation. However, Nvidia stated that there is no reason to believe any national security-related information or company secrets were leaked.

■ Top KOSPI Market-Cap Stocks… Samsung Electro-Mechanics and LG Energy Solution Post Sharp Declines

Among top KOSPI market-cap stocks, Samsung Electronics closed down 1,700 won (-0.90%) at 187,000 won, and SK Hynix fell 17,000 won (-1.50%) to 1,115,000 won. Samsung Electronics preferred shares fell 400 won (-0.27%) to 149,900 won.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics posted a particularly sharp decline, dropping 55,000 won (-6.32%) to 815,000 won. LG Energy Solution fell 19,500 won (-5.78%) to 318,000 won, and Hyundai Motor closed down 11,500 won (-4.11%) at 268,000 won. SK Square also dropped 21,000 won (-2.90%) to 703,000 won.

In contrast, Samsung Biologics rose 1,000 won (+0.07%) to 1,517,000 won, and KB Financial Group climbed 1,500 won (+0.99%) to 152,500 won. Celltrion ended flat at 211,000 won.

■ KOSDAQ Falls 0.82%… Ategen Plunges 16.76%

The KOSDAQ also showed weakness. The KOSDAQ index closed at 638.97, down 5.30 points (0.82%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 638.82, rose as high as 658.66 during the session, then fell to 632.70 before recouping some of its losses.

Among individual stocks, Ategen plunged 33,600 won (-16.76%) to close at 166,900 won. EcoPro fell 6,100 won (-9.21%) to 60,100 won, and EcoPro BM dropped 7,300 won (-8.78%) to 75,800 won. Rainbow Robotics declined 20,500 won (-6.39%) to 300,500 won, and HLB fell 1,250 won (-4.00%) to 30,000 won. Samchundang Pharm slipped 2,000 won (-1.18%) to 168,100 won, and LK (Rino Industry) fell 750 won (-1.61%) to 45,850 won.

On the other hand, Jusung Engineering rose 6,500 won (+4.89%) to 139,300 won, Silleugen gained 3,900 won (+4.17%) to 97,400 won, and Eotech climbed 11,000 won (+3.88%) to 294,500 won.

■ Key Points to Watch

In the next trading session, whether the KOSPI holds the 5,000 level and the share price movements of major domestic semiconductor stocks such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are expected to be key points to watch.

[※ This article is for investment reference purposes only, and investment decisions and any resulting responsibility rest with the investor.]