On early Friday, the benchmark KOSPI index fell by 1.4% to approximately 2,572 points, marking its lowest point in two weeks due to widespread losses across all sectors amidst growing concerns over U.S. tariffs. This downturn positioned the index for its first weekly decline in a month. The market was on edge as U.S. President Trump's impending 25% tariffs on automobiles are set to be enacted next week, with additional threats of tariffs on chips and reciprocal levies fueling fears of countermeasures. Notable declines were observed among major index players, specifically in the chip and automotive sectors, including Samsung Electronics, which fell by 1.3%, SK Hynix by 3.4%, Hyundai Motor by 3.5%, and Kia Corp by 2.8%. This broader market decline also affected steel manufacturers, e-commerce entities, and biopharmaceutical firms, exerting additional pressure on the market.