[THE INVESTOR] South Korean shares dropped 0.25 percent in late morning trading Aug. 19, while top market cap Samsung Electronics continued its upward trajectory.

The benchmark KOSPI had lost 5.1 points to 2,050.37 as of 11:20 a.m.

Foreigners and institutional investors were net-sellers, apparently seeking to lock in their recent gains, but individuals scooped up shares.

Samsung Electronics gained 1.04 percent to a fresh record high of 1,657,000 won (US$1,480), as its Galaxy Note 7 large-size smartphone went on sale.

Top automaker Hyundai Motor was down 0.38 percent and global chipmaker SK hynix advanced 2.05 percent.

The local currency was trading at 1,116.95 won against the US dollar, weakening 9.75 won from the previous session‘s close.

(theinvestor@heraldcorp.com)