The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) dived 42.42 points, or 2.47 percent, to settle at 1,672.44. Trading volume stood at 641 million shares worth 9.5 trillion won (7.7 billion U.S. dollars).
South Korea's currency finished at 1,243.5 won against the greenback, down 17.5 won from the previous close.
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