South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI jumped more than 3% to around 9,340 on Friday, notching fresh record highs as semiconductor shares continued to power the rally. SK Hynix rose over 6%, extending its advance after announcing it had shipped samples of its next-generation 12-layer HBM4E memory chips to key customers. Samsung Electronics also gained 2.9%, while SK Square, LG Energy Solution, and Hyundai Motor climbed 8.2%, 5.0%, and 3.5%, respectively.
Market sentiment was further buoyed by an overnight surge in US semiconductor stocks. Intel rallied sharply after US President Donald Trump said Apple would work with the company to design and manufacture chips domestically, lifting the broader technology sector. At the same time, easing geopolitical tensions following the US-Iran memorandum of understanding continued to underpin risk appetite, with South Korean officials noting that improved conditions could help mitigate supply chain risks and reduce external uncertainties.
