South Korean Shares Rally to Fresh Record

2026-04-23 01:27 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI climbed nearly 2% to around 6,530 on Thursday, extending its record run, as improved global risk sentiment and strong domestic fundamentals lifted investor appetite.

Markets tracked overnight gains on Wall Street after the US extended its ceasefire with Iran, easing immediate geopolitical concerns, although lingering tensions and elevated oil prices kept uncertainty in focus.

Technology stocks led the rally, with Samsung Electronics (5.1%) hitting fresh highs and SK Hynix (2.8%) advancing after reporting record quarterly profits, as robust AI-driven demand and rising memory prices continued to support the semiconductor cycle.

Notable gains were also seen in SK Square (4.6%), Doosan Enerbility (5.9%), and Kia Corporation (1.2%).

Further supporting sentiment, South Korea’s economy expanded by a stronger-than-expected 1.7% in the first quarter, marking the fastest growth in over five years, driven by solid semiconductor exports and a rebound in investment.



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South Korean Shares Rally to Fresh Record
The benchmark KOSPI climbed nearly 2% to around 6,530 on Thursday, extending its record run, as improved global risk sentiment and strong domestic fundamentals lifted investor appetite. Markets tracked overnight gains on Wall Street after the US extended its ceasefire with Iran, easing immediate geopolitical concerns, although lingering tensions and elevated oil prices kept uncertainty in focus. Technology stocks led the rally, with Samsung Electronics (5.1%) hitting fresh highs and SK Hynix (2.8%) advancing after reporting record quarterly profits, as robust AI-driven demand and rising memory prices continued to support the semiconductor cycle. Notable gains were also seen in SK Square (4.6%), Doosan Enerbility (5.9%), and Kia Corporation (1.2%). Further supporting sentiment, South Korea’s economy expanded by a stronger-than-expected 1.7% in the first quarter, marking the fastest growth in over five years, driven by solid semiconductor exports and a rebound in investment.
2026-04-23
South Korean Shares Set New Record
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.46% to close at 6,418 on Wednesday, reversing earlier losses to set a new record high, as buying returned to heavyweight technology and industrial names. The rebound followed recent profit-taking, with sentiment improving in select export-oriented sectors. Support came from strength in Korea’s AI and semiconductor space, with expanded LG–Nvidia cooperation boosting optimism around AI development and commercialization. Defense and shipbuilding shares also gained on fresh export-related developments, including Hanwha Aerospace’s partnership with Northrop Grumman and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ first icebreaker export to Sweden. Overall, the rebound reflected selective buying in export-driven names. Large-cap performance was mixed, with gains in HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (11.28%), Hanwha Aerospace (1.80%), and LG Energy Solution (1.36%), while Samsung Electronics (-0.68%), SK Hynix (-0.16%), and Hyundai Motor (-0.92%) declined.
2026-04-22
South Korean Shares Fall on US-Iran Uncertainty
The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.9% to around 6,330 on Wednesday, pulling back after a record high, as stalled US-Iran peace talks and elevated oil prices weighed on sentiment. Investor caution persisted despite Donald Trump extending the ceasefire, as Iran refused to resume negotiations, keeping geopolitical risks and energy costs elevated for South Korea’s import-dependent economy. Domestic inflation concerns added pressure as producer prices rose 1.6% in March, the fastest pace in nearly four years, driven by a 31.9% jump in petroleum products and a 6.7% rise in chemicals. At the same time, earnings pressure weighed, with Hyundai Motor and Kia Corporation expected to post over 20% declines in operating profit as US tariffs and higher FX-linked warranty costs offset solid sales. Losses were led by Samsung Electronics (-0.9%), SK Hynix (-1.5%), Hyundai Motor (-2.0%), and KB Financial Group (-2.1%), with the decline also reflecting profit-taking after a recent chip-led rally.
2026-04-22