Korean Shares Rise on Tech, Pharma Strength

2026-02-24 02:04 By Mariene Camarillo 1 min. read

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.



News Stream
South Korean Shares Extend Gains
The benchmark KOSPI rose 2.52% to close at 7,476 on Friday, extending gains from the previous session as chipmakers tracked an overnight rally in global semiconductor stocks. Tech shares led the advance, with Samsung Electronics climbing 2.88%, while Samsung Electro-Mechanics advanced 6.10%. Other notable performers included SK Square (5.88%), Hyundai Motor (3.14%), LG Energy Solution (4.31%), KB Financial Group (8.05%), Doosan Enerbility (6.97%), and Kia Corporation (1.66%). Investor confidence was also supported by easing oil prices despite renewed US-Iran tensions, as reports that Iran sought negotiations helped ease concerns about prolonged supply disruptions and inflationary pressures. Additionally, President Lee Jae Myung and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh agreed to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, trade, and advanced technologies, reinforcing optimism over South Korea's long-term supply chain security and high-tech industries.
2026-07-10
South Korean Shares Edge Higher on Chip Gains
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.62% to close at 7,292 on Thursday, recovering modestly from an over one-month low as chipmakers led the gains. Semiconductor shares found support after reports that SK hynix's planned US ADR offering was more than seven times oversubscribed, reflecting strong investor demand for the AI memory chipmaker. SK hynix climbed 5.83%, while Samsung Electronics edged up 0.36%, after suffering sharp declines a day earlier, helping lift the index. Other notable gainers included SK Square (4.80%), SK Inc. (2.36%), LS Electric Co. (2.13%), and Hyosung Heavy Industries (3.87%). Additionally, sentiment was supported after the Asian Development Bank raised South Korea's 2026 growth forecast to 2.6% from 1.9%, citing robust global AI demand and strong semiconductor exports as key drivers of economic growth. Meanwhile, renewed US-Iran tensions kept investors cautious as higher oil prices fueled inflation concerns and weighed on global risk appetite.
2026-07-09
South Korean Shares Hit Over One-Month Low
The benchmark KOSPI fell 5.35% to close at 7,247 on Wednesday, hitting its lowest level in over a month as a broad sell-off in semiconductor stocks followed overnight losses on Wall Street. Chipmakers came under pressure after investors questioned the sustainability of the AI-driven spending boom despite Samsung Electronics' strong quarterly earnings, dragging global semiconductor shares lower. Investors also remained cautious as escalating tensions in the Middle East boosted oil prices and dampened global risk appetite following fresh US strikes on Iran and attacks near the Strait of Hormuz. Losses were led by Samsung Electronics (-5.91%), SK Hynix (-5.00%), SK Square (-6.27%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-7.07%), Hanwha Aerospace (-8.20%) and Doosan Enerbility (-9.44%). Meanwhile, South Korean authorities said they would closely monitor risks to market stability as heightened volatility in heavyweight chip stocks and single-stock leveraged ETFs continued to fuel sharp market swings.
2026-07-08