The benchmark KOSPI slipped 0.21% to close at 4,109 on Wednesday, reversing earlier gains as profit-taking offset early support from overnight strength on Wall Street. Sentiment toward semiconductors was initially supported after US trade authorities said new tariffs on Chinese chip imports would be delayed for at least 18 months, easing near-term trade risks across the global semiconductor supply chain. Technology heavyweights were mixed by the close, with Samsung Electronics falling 0.36% while SK hynix rose 0.68%, as investors locked in gains following recent advances. Other decliners included HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-2.63%), Doosan Enerbility (-2.19%), and Hanwha Aerospace (-2.44%). Meanwhile, automakers outperformed after the government extended consumption tax cuts on passenger vehicles for another six months, lifting shares of Hyundai Motor (0.70%) and Kia Corp (0.67%) as the measure was seen as helping cushion near-term demand amid still-fragile consumer conditions.