South Korean stocks closed lower for the fourth consecutive day on Friday amid growing worries about potential delays in US rate cuts, leading to a decline in the local currency against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index dropped 34.21 points, or 1.26 percent, settling at 2,687.60. Trade volume was moderate, with losers outnumbering winners significantly. Foreigners and institutions offloaded local shares, while individual investors engaged in bargain hunting. The market was impacted by hawkish remarks from Fed officials and stronger US economic reports, fueling concerns over interest rates and prompting a withdrawal of funds by foreigners from the Korean market. Major companies like Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, LG Energy Solution, as well as bio and auto shares, experienced declines. Additionally, the local currency ended at 1,369.50 won against the US dollar, marking a drop from the previous session's close.