Daily News Briefing — 2026-06-08

Today's Weather (as of 2026-06-08)

We couldn't fetch the short-term forecast, so please check the Korea Meteorological Administration website at for the latest updates.

4 sources

reuters.com

reuters.com

s.yimg.com

s.yimg.com

weather.go.kr

weather.go.kr

weather.go.kr

weather.go.kr

Top 5 Headlines

1. KOSPI drops 8%, circuit breaker triggered

• Summary: On June 8 (local time), the South Korean KOSPI plunged more than 8%, officially triggering a circuit breaker. Heavy selling in tech stocks followed concerns over a Federal Reserve interest rate hike after U.S. employment data far exceeded expectations.
• Background: U.S. job data released on June 5 showed 172,000 new jobs—more than double the forecast—leading to a 4.2% drop in the Nasdaq and wiping out nearly $1 trillion in market value.
• Impact: Major semiconductor firms like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix saw shares tumble over 10%. The Korean Won weakened to 1,561.5 against the dollar, reaching a 17-year low.

2. Iran launches missile attack on Israel

• Summary: Tensions in the Middle East are surging after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel. This follows Hezbollah's refusal to extend ceasefire terms mediated by the U.S., raising concerns about a potential return to conflict.
• Background: With the Israel-Gaza conflict continuing, Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah are becoming directly involved. The U.S. Secretary of Defense stated that the U.S. is ready to resume combat in the Gulf if necessary.
• Impact: Investors are expected to shift focus toward the energy and defense sectors due to the risk of renewed regional conflict.

3. Strong U.S. jobs data triggers global tech sell-off

• Summary: Higher-than-expected U.S. job growth has caused global tech markets to lose trillions in a single day, as investors price in potential Federal Reserve interest rate hikes.
• Background: Fears of lower profitability due to increased financing costs for tech companies in a high-interest-rate environment are hurting market sentiment.
• Impact: Semiconductor and IT companies across Asia, including those in Korea, are expected to face a chain reaction of stock price declines.

4. Korean Won hits 17-year low

• Summary: The exchange rate between the Korean Won and the U.S. Dollar hit 1,561.5, marking its weakest level in 17 years, driven by massive sell-offs by foreign investors.
• Background: Capital flight from the Korean stock market amid the global tech correction has led to high volatility in the exchange rate.
• Impact: A weaker Won could lead to worse overseas performance for Korean companies and rising costs for imported goods.

5. Israel-Lebanon ceasefire rejection deepens regional instability

• Summary: Fears of a worsening Middle East crisis are mounting after Hezbollah rejected U.S.-brokered ceasefire terms with Israel.
• Background: Regional tensions have reached a boiling point following recent Israeli attacks in Gaza and subsequent retaliation from Iran.
• Impact: Rising pressure on oil prices could heighten global inflation concerns.

Economy & Market

Market Closing/Trends

• KOSPI: Fell 8.37% to below 7,500 points; circuit breaker triggered a 20-minute trading halt.
• KOSDAQ: Also saw a sharp decline.
• Exchange Rate: Won/Dollar rate weakened to 1,561.5 (a 17-year low).

Corporate/Industry News

• Samsung Electronics: Plunged over 10% on concerns over a semiconductor market slowdown.
• SK Hynix: Plunged over 10% on outlook for weaker memory chip demand.
• Nvidia CEO Visit: Jensen Huang arrived at the Seoul Gimpo Business Aviation Center on June 5 to share "surprise news" in Korea.

International News

U.S. — Tech correction follows strong jobs data

• Key Insight: Better-than-expected jobs data raised the possibility of Fed rate hikes, leading to a 4.2% drop in the Nasdaq.
• Impact on Korea: Likely to worsen the outlook for Korean exporters (semiconductors, IT, automotive).

Middle East — Iran missile strikes escalate tension

• Key Insight: Iran targeted Israel with missiles, and Lebanon’s Hezbollah refused to extend ceasefire terms.
• Impact on Korea: Increased import costs due to rising oil prices and higher risks for Korean businesses operating in the Middle East.

Today's Key Points

• Schedule/Announcements: Whether the market will resume after the circuit breaker and upcoming government measures for market stabilization.
• Watchlist: (1) Further global tech corrections, (2) the level of intervention by the Bank of Korea regarding the exchange rate, (3) possibility of Fed interest rate hikes.
• Action Items: (1) Review positions in tech holdings, (2) adjust plans for currency exchange, (3) consider moving up planned purchases of imported goods.

At a Glance

• Numbers of the Day:

  • KOSPI drop: 8.37%
  • Samsung/SK Hynix drop: 10%+
  • Won/Dollar rate: 1,561.5 (17-year low)
  • Nasdaq drop: 4.2% (U.S.)

• Top Keywords: Global tech correction, Fed rate hike, semiconductor industry, Middle East tension, Won weakness.

Disclaimer: This briefing is based on the latest public information. As market conditions can change rapidly, please consult with a professional before making any investment decisions.