Emerging-market stocks posted their steepest decline in nearly three weeks, dragged down by a worldwide technology sector selloff that rattled investors across developing economies. The downturn marked a sharp reversal from recent trading patterns, with risk appetite drying up as concerns mounted over tech valuations and growth prospects.

South Korean equities bore the brunt of the selling pressure, with markets there hit particularly hard amid the broader tech-driven weakness. Trading was briefly halted for 20 minutes as circuit breakers kicked in, underscoring the intensity of the selloff and the market's struggle to absorb the wave of sell orders without significant disruption.

The technology sector's weakness rippled through emerging markets, where tech-heavy indices and export-oriented economies felt the impact most acutely. Investors pulled back from riskier assets, favoring safer havens as doubts emerged about the sustainability of the recent rally in tech shares.

For emerging market investors, the selloff serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that persist despite recent gains, particularly when global risk sentiment shifts rapidly. The trading halt in South Korea highlights how quickly volatility can spike in today's interconnected markets.