Korean Shares Rise on Tech, Pharma Strength

The benchmark KOSPI climbed 2.11% to close at 5,969 on Tuesday, extending gains to a record high as strong technology and pharmaceutical sector performance lifted sentiment. Notable contributions came from semiconductor stocks, Samsung Electronics (+0.47%) and SK Hynix (+0.63%), while pharmaceutical firms led sector gains, including Celltrion (+2.78%) and Samsung Biologics (+0.87%). Optimism was further supported by robust economic data, as South Korea’s business sentiment turned positive for March, with the business survey index at 102.7. Meanwhile, producer prices rose for a fifth consecutive month in January, with the PPI up 1.9% year-on-year. On the other hand, uncertainty increased after the US Supreme Court ruling on reciprocal tariffs, as the Trump administration quickly imposed a global 10% surcharge, which allows for levies of up to 15% for 150 days.

The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.65% to close at 5,846 on Monday, extending last week’s gains to reach a new record high, buoyed by strong performances in the chip and auto sectors. Leading the advance were Samsung Electronics (+3.05%), SK Hynix (+2.42%), Hyundai Motor (+4.91%), and Kia Corp (+1.69%). Market sentiment was further bolstered by strong trade data, with South Korea’s exports rising 23.5% year-on-year to $43.5 billion in the first 20 days of February, driven by surging semiconductor demand amid the AI boom. Meanwhile, foreign investors have offloaded around 9 trillion won on the main bourse so far this year, mostly in chipmakers, including 9.5 trillion won in Samsung Electronics despite its 59% gain and record 190,000-won price. Analysts noted that these outflows reflect profit-taking and portfolio rebalancing rather than a negative view of the South Korean market.

The benchmark KOSPI rose 2.31% to close at 5,809 on Friday, extending its record-breaking rally, supported by broad-based strength in semiconductor, industrial, and defense shares. SK Hynix surged 6.15% while Samsung Electronics edged up 0.05%, keeping both near historic highs. Doosan Enerbility jumped 5.18% and Hanwha Aerospace climbed 8.09%, while shipbuilders HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean rose 4.88% and 6.61%, respectively, on optimism over deeper cooperation between the United States and South Korea in rebuilding shipbuilding capacity. Financial stocks also gathered ground, with KB Financial Group (1.38%) and Shinhan Financial Group (1.69%) posting gains. The upbeat tone in Seoul came despite declines in US equities, where rising tensions between Washington and Tehran pushed oil prices higher and weighed on risk appetite.