Crushed by Kospi Rout, Angry Koreans Rip Lee and Vow Not …

In July 2026, South Korean retail traders experienced significant turmoil in the Kospi market, which fell 22% during the month, the steepest decline since the global financial crisis. Despite a 18% rebound one day, many retail investors, known for their risk-taking, are feeling shaken. Some, like Kim Han-kyung, have vowed to stop investing altogether, while others liken the market's volatility to a casino, highlighting the limits of their tolerance for risk.

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By Youkyung Lee and Sangmi Cha

August 1, 2026 at 8:00 PM EDT

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South Korea’s retail traders have long built a reputation for embracing risk. Yet July’s punishing reversal in the Kospi has rattled even this battle-hardened cohort, exposing the limits of their tolerance for volatility.

Some, like Kim Han-kyung, a Seoul resident in her late 30s, have resolved never to invest again, while others are comparing the $3.9 trillion market to a casino. Retail investors sold a record amount of Kospi shares on Friday despite a stunning 18% rebound. The gauge still capped a 22% loss for the month, the steepest since the global financial crisis.

Read Original at Bloomberg.com →

Crushed by Kospi Rout, Angry Koreans Rip Lee and Vow Not to Buy