The benchmark KOSPI rose 1% to around 4,600 on Thursday, extending a run of record-setting sessions, driven by strong earnings momentum and gains in semiconductor, defense, and shipbuilding stocks. Samsung Electronics’ preliminary results showed record fourth-quarter operating profit near KRW 20 trillion, reinforcing expectations of a sustained semiconductor supercycle. The outlook was underpinned by sharply higher DRAM and NAND prices and expanding high-bandwidth memory shipments. Samsung Electronics added 1.8%, while SK Hynix climbed 5.9%, supporting broader market sentiment. Defense and shipbuilding names also advanced, with Hanwha Aerospace (8.9%) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (5.6%) rallying on expectations of strong earnings and sustained order momentum. Sentiment was further supported by a steadier won, after financial authorities reiterated their commitment to curbing excessive currency weakness, easing concerns over capital outflows.
