KOSDAQ Plunges as Sell-Side Sidecar Triggered for First Time in Four Months

The KOSPI index sharply dropped over 4% at the start on the 4th, as it took a direct hit from Middle East geopolitical risks, including concerns over a full-scale war between the US and Iran. The index is displayed on the status board in the dealing room of Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul. The KOSPI index saw a sell-side car activated for two consecutive days. March 4, 2026 Photo by Dongju Yoon

Concerns about a potential war between the U.S. and Iran triggered a sharp plunge in the stock market, leading to the activation of a temporary suspension of KOSDAQ program sell orders (sidecar) for the first time in about four months.

According to the Korea Exchange, at approximately 10:31:06 a.m. on this day, fluctuations in the KOSDAQ 150 futures price and the spot index led to a five-minute suspension of the effectiveness of program sell orders.

At the moment the sidecar was triggered, the KOSDAQ 150 futures price had fallen by 6.31% from the previous day's closing price, reaching 1,889.20.

This is the first time in four months that the KOSDAQ sell-sidecar has been activated since November 5 of last year.

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