New Delhi, June 26 -- Asian equities fell sharply on Friday, 26 June, as heavyweight semiconductor stocks gave back a portion of their previous session's gains, highlighting the volatility that has gripped global technology markets this week.

South Korean stocks plunged on Friday as chipmakers came under heavy selling pressure, underscoring the sector's sensitivity to shifts in global sentiment surrounding artificial intelligence.

The benchmark Kospi index tumbled as much as 8.2%, wiping out the previous session's gains and triggering a 20-minute trading halt by the Korea Exchange. It marked the second time this week that trading was temporarily suspended due to sharp market moves.

Japan's Nikkei share average retreated sharply on Frid...