South Korean Shares Pause Record Rally

The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.11% to close at a fresh record high of 7,498 on Friday, extending its winning streak to a fourth straight session, as gains in AI-related chip stocks continued to support investor sentiment. The index opened lower amid risk aversion across Asian markets on news of renewed US-Iran tensions, but sentiment later stabilized after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran remained in effect. Large-cap performance was mixed, with SK Hynix (1.93%), Hyundai Motor Company (7.17%), and Kia Corporation (4.38%) posting gains, while Samsung Electronics (-1.10%), Doosan Enerbility (-4.99%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-5.05%) declined. Optimism surrounding Korea’s AI and semiconductor outlook continued to underpin the market, following strong earnings momentum and robust export demand tied to the global AI boom. Additional support came after South Korea posted a record current account surplus in March, driven by a sharp surge in semiconductor exports.

The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.7% to around 7,440 on Friday, pausing after a record-setting run, as renewed US-Iran tensions triggered profit-taking. Investor sentiment weakened after the US and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies. The escalation pushed Brent crude prices back above $100 per barrel and fueled broader risk aversion across Asian markets. Technology shares led the decline, with heavyweight chipmakers Samsung Electronics (-2.0%) and SK Hynix (-0.3%) retreating, alongside LG Energy Solution (-2.2%), Doosan Enerbility (-4.7%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-5.1%). Still, losses were partly capped by continued optimism over Korea’s AI and semiconductor outlook, with the index up over 12% this week for its strongest weekly gain since 2008. Additional support came as South Korea posted a record current account surplus of $37.33 billion in March, driven by a sharp surge in semiconductor exports.

The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.43% to close at 7,490 on Thursday, resuming its rally to a fresh record high as buying returned in heavyweight technology and industrial stocks after earlier profit-taking. Among heavyweight stocks, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix advanced 2.07% and 3.31%, respectively, while Hyundai Motor (4.00%), Doosan Enerbility (7.40%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (6.94%), and Kia Corporation (1.94%) also posted notable gains, helping offset earlier weakness across the broader market. Sentiment remained supported by easing concerns over the Middle East conflict after fresh signs of progress in US–Iran peace negotiations boosted global risk appetite and lifted Wall Street to record highs overnight. Additional support came from continued optimism surrounding AI-driven semiconductor demand after South Korea’s first-quarter exports hit a record high, with chip shipments soaring 139% year-on-year.