2026.01.2302:13:00UTC+00South Korean Shares Sustain Momentum

On Friday, the KOSPI index saw a 0.5% increase, reaching approximately 4,975, primarily driven by advances in the semiconductor sector. Samsung Electronics experienced a 1.8% rise, bolstered by ongoing optimism regarding the AI-driven memory upcycle, which continues to benefit major chipmakers amid expectations of constrained supply and improved earnings forecasts. Additionally, the index benefited from a global risk-on sentiment, supported by gains in U.S. tech stocks the previous night. This positive trend was underpinned by diminishing geopolitical tensions and a stable inflation environment, which have bolstered investor confidence. Enhanced optimism toward growth assets has increased interest in Asian equities, with Korean stocks notably outperforming their regional counterparts. Other significant gainers included HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (up 1.8%), Doosan Enerbility (up 2.6%), and Hanwha Ocean (up 3.6%). This upward momentum was further sustained by milestone-driven investment, as the KOSPI's recent climb above the 5,000 mark encouraged continued buying interest, despite some selective profit-taking in non-semiconductor sectors.