South Korean Shares Extend Gains on Us-Iran Hopes

2026-05-22 01:45 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.41% to close at 7,848 on Friday, extending gains for a second straight session and tracking overnight gains on Wall Street amid optimism over US-Iran talks.

Iran said the latest US proposal had helped narrow differences between the two sides, fueling hopes for a peace deal and easing concerns over energy supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

At the same time, continued strength in South Korea’s semiconductor sector, supported by robust chip exports, resilient AI-driven demand, and improving domestic sentiment, underpinned the broader market rally.

However, gains remained capped by persistent foreign investor selling and rising concentration risk, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix now accounting for nearly half of the benchmark index’s market capitalization.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics (10.6%), Doosan Enerbility (2.8%), and Hanwha Aerospace (1.2%) led gains, while Samsung Electronics (-2.3%), SK Hynix (-0.2%), and Hyundai Motor (-1.5%) declined.



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South Korean Shares Extend Gains on Us-Iran Hopes
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.41% to close at 7,848 on Friday, extending gains for a second straight session and tracking overnight gains on Wall Street amid optimism over US-Iran talks. Iran said the latest US proposal had helped narrow differences between the two sides, fueling hopes for a peace deal and easing concerns over energy supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, continued strength in South Korea’s semiconductor sector, supported by robust chip exports, resilient AI-driven demand, and improving domestic sentiment, underpinned the broader market rally. However, gains remained capped by persistent foreign investor selling and rising concentration risk, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix now accounting for nearly half of the benchmark index’s market capitalization. Samsung Electro-Mechanics (10.6%), Doosan Enerbility (2.8%), and Hanwha Aerospace (1.2%) led gains, while Samsung Electronics (-2.3%), SK Hynix (-0.2%), and Hyundai Motor (-1.5%) declined.
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The benchmark KOSPI surged 8.42% to close at 7,816 on Thursday, rebounding sharply from the previous session as investor sentiment improved on easing geopolitical concerns and strong momentum in the semiconductor sector. US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were in the “final stages,” helping ease concerns over disruptions in the Middle East and cooling oil prices from recent highs. At the same time, technology shares led the rally amid sustained optimism surrounding AI-related chip demand and robust export growth. Heavyweight Samsung Electronics jumped 8.33%, while SK Hynix advanced 11.23%. Samsung Electronics also reached a tentative wage agreement with its labor union, averting a planned strike that had raised concerns over disruptions to global chip supply chains. Notable gains were also seen in Hyundai Motor (12.50%), SK Square (13.99%), LG Energy Solution (3.90%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (12.91%), Doosan Enerbility (7.21%), and Kia Corporation (12.25%).
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South Korean Shares Fall on Risk-Off Sentiment
The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.86% to close at 7,209 on Wednesday, extending losses from the previous session, amid broad risk-off sentiment and semiconductor concerns. US Treasury yields rose as escalating Middle East tensions pressured global equities, with fears of resurging inflation triggering a bond selloff. This followed US President Trump’s warning that Washington could resume strikes on Iran within days if no agreement is reached. Sentiment also deteriorated after talks between Samsung Electronics and its labor union broke down, paving the way for a strike starting Thursday. Losses were led by Hyundai Motor (-1.66%), LG Energy Solution (-3.75%), and Doosan Enerbility (-4.43%), while Samsung Electronics (0.18%) edged up. Still, sentiment was partly supported after South Korea’s finance minister and central bank governor pledged to cooperate in stabilizing domestic financial markets, while Seoul and Tokyo agreed to strengthen cooperation on supply chains and energy procurement.
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