South Korean stock market plunges as Iran conflict rattles economy

South Korea's stock market fell sharply, with the KOSPI index dropping between 8% and 12% in its worst day in years. The drop triggered automatic trading halts, known as circuit breakers, and the South Korean currency, the won, also lost value.

Banks are taking steps to stabilize the situation, and there are concerns the conflict could disrupt supplies of helium, which is used in the country's important semiconductor manufacturing sector. The market drop comes about a month after the conflict began, raising questions about the impact on South Korea's economy.