The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.1% to around 4,221 on Tuesday, hovering near all-time highs, supported by chipmaker strength and policy reforms. Heavyweight semiconductors led the advance, with Samsung Electronics up 0.9% and SK hynix rising 1.9%, driven by robust AI-related demand. Financials and securities firms also contributed to the gains on optimism surrounding government reforms designed to reduce South Korea’s long-standing undervaluation relative to global peers. Policy measures, including stronger minority shareholder protections and initiatives to upgrade the country’s market status, have reinforced market confidence. Meanwhile, other sectors saw losses, including LG Energy Solution (-2.9%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-1.9%), Kia Corporation (-0.3%), Shinhan Financial (-1.2%), and Hanwha Ocean (-1.6%). Trading remained subdued on thin year-end liquidity, with investors focused on positioning ahead of 2026.
