KOSPI slides nearly 6% on Iran jitters, hawkish outlook for new BOK governor

try{ var _=i o; . if(!_||_&&typeof _==="object"&&_.expiry Asia stocks sink; Japan, S.Korea lead losses as Iran crisis worsens Goldman raises Brent forecasts again, sees higher oil prices for longer Spike in oil prices seen as ’a clear risk for consumer equities’ Markets steady as Iran, U.S. trade barbs amid Trump’s ultimatum 🧠 Upgrade to AI Insights (South Africa Philippines Nigeria) 🧠 Upgrade to AI Insights KOSPI slides nearly 6% on Iran jitters, hawkish outlook for new BOK governor By Author Ambar Warrick Stock Markets Published 03/22/2026, 11:28 PM KOSPI slides nearly 6% on Iran jitters, hawkish outlook for new BOK governor 0 KS11 -5.72% Investing.com-- South Korean stocks fell sharply on Monday as investors viewed the Bank of Korea’s new Governor, Shin Hyun-song, as a more hawkish pick. South Korean markets were also caught in a broader sell-down in Asia amid growing concerns over a worsening conflict in the Middle East, although the KOSPI was by far the worst performer in the region. The KOSPI slid 5.8% to 5,409.17 points. Get top S.Korean stock picks and more analyst insights by subscribing to InvestingPro South Korean President Lee Jae Myung named Shin as the next BOK governor over the weekend. Shin is most famous for predicting the 2008 global financial crisis, and is currently the head of the economic department at the Bank for International Settlements. Shin will replace incumbent BOK Governor Rhee Chang-yong when his term ends on April 20. Shin said he will seek a more “balanced” policy approach that considers inflation, growth and financial stability, especially amid heightened economic uncertainty due to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran. But analysts viewed past statements from Shin as being more hawkish, especially given that he has warned on overlending, excessive liquidity, and sticky inflation. “Shin’s past remarks, coupled with Korea’s macroeconomic conditions, suggest he will take a relatively hawkish policy stance,” ING analysts said in a note. They...