The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.74% to around 5,258 on Friday, extending its rally to reach a fresh record high, as semiconductor stocks lifted the index on renewed confidence in the chip cycle. Investors piled into heavyweight chipmakers following strong Q4 earnings and persistent AI-driven demand, reinforcing expectations of sustained growth in advanced memory products. Notable gainers included chipmakers Samsung Electronics (+1.80%) and SK Hynix (+7.26%), while declines were led by Hyundai Motor (-3.41%), Kia Corporation (-1.29%), LG Energy Solution (-1.44%), and Doosan Enerbility (-2.45%). Market participants, however, took a cautious approach in export-driven sectors, particularly autos and manufacturing, engaging in selective profit-taking following earlier news that US President Donald Trump had threatened to raise ‘reciprocal’ tariffs and auto duties on South Korea back to 25 percent.
