Nikkei 225 opens up 0.07%, Kospi opens down 0.6%

The divergence at the open is the signal here: two major Asian benchmarks taking opposite directions on the same morning points to market-specific drivers rather than a shared regional catalyst. Seoul's softer start contrasts with Tokyo's marginal gain, which matters most for traders watching whether Korean equities are reacting to domestic factors or simply lagging the region. With moves this small on both sides, the open says little about conviction. Whether the Kospi's weakness persists through the session, or the Nikkei's edge holds, is the open question.