2026.01.0502:18:56UTC+00South Korean Shares Hit Fresh Record

The benchmark KOSPI surged over 2% to approximately 4,410 on Monday, building on the previous session's gains and achieving new record highs. This rise was largely driven by a significant rally in major semiconductor stocks following an uptick in chip prices, which boosted earnings forecasts. Notably, Samsung Electronics saw an impressive 4.5% increase, buoyed by anticipation of a robust performance in the fourth quarter. This optimism is fueled by an expected resurgence in DRAM and NAND prices by late 2025. Additionally, SK hynix experienced a 1.2% increase, further enhancing the index's dominant sector. The rally was further bolstered by foreign investments in major technology stocks, with foreign ownership in leading chip manufacturers reaching near multi-year peaks amid forecasts of continued strong global memory chip demand. The automotive sector also contributed to the market's upward momentum, with Hyundai Motor climbing 1.7% and Kia advancing 1.3%, driven by stable sales projections for 2026 and improving export conditions. Moreover, gains were observed in LG Energy Solution, which rose 1.9%, SK Square at 2.6%, Hanwha Aerospace rising 3.8%, and Doosan Enerbility surging by an impressive 9.2%.