The benchmark KOSPI advanced more than 1% to around 6,260 on Monday, pushing further into record territory as technology shares led the rally despite ongoing geopolitical risks. Semiconductor stocks were the primary drivers, with SK hynix climbing 3.0% on optimism over its next-generation AI memory and expectations for record earnings, while Samsung Electronics added 0.2%. Additional support came from gains in LG Energy Solution (2.8%), SK Square (4.4%), and Doosan Enerbility (4.6%). Sentiment was further bolstered by expectations of stronger foreign inflows, underpinned by improvements in Korea’s market accessibility.
However, overall risk appetite remained restrained. Escalating tensions between the United States and Iran pushed oil prices sharply higher, stoking inflation concerns and raising worries about input costs for South Korea’s energy‑dependent economy. Renewed disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz also reinforced expectations of elevated market volatility in the near term.
