South Korea’s stock market crashed 5.96% on March 9, 2026, amid Middle East tensions and oil prices above $100, triggering a circuit breaker and prompting emergency government measures.

South Korea's stock market plunged on March 9, 2026, with the KOSPI index dropping 5.96% to close at 5,251.87, triggering a circuit breaker after falling more than 8% early in the session. The sell-off, driven by escalating Middle East tensions and oil prices surpassing $100 a barrel, caused widespread panic, with major tech and auto stocks declining sharply. The South Korean won weakened to a 17-year low, and officials prepared emergency measures, including fuel price caps and a potential market stabilization fund. This followed a historic 12% one-day drop earlier in the week, marking the third circuit breaker trigger since early March.