Nikkei 225 opens down -0.47%. S. Korea Kospi is down -0.51% at the open.

So. Korean financial regulator chief tells staff to prepare steps to stabilize markets.

The Japan Nikkei 225 is opening down -0.5%. The So Korean Kospi is also down about -0.5%

The South Korean financial regulator chief has told staff to prepare steps to stabilize markets. The index is down around 24% since the end of January high to the low today.

• So Korea Finance minister says to draw up measures if market instability continues.