The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.67% to around 4,055 on Friday, recovering from the previous session’s losses as sentiment improved following overnight gains on Wall Street. Large-cap stocks were mixed, with Samsung Electronics (0.38%), LG Energy Solution (3.72%), Hyundai Motor (6%), and Hanwha Ocean (0.82%) leading the gains. In contrast, SK Hynix (-1.85%), Samsung Biologics (-1.25%), and SK Square (-4.16%) recorded notable losses. Hyundai Motor shares hit a record high, boosted by investor confidence and the announcement of a strategic partnership with France-based industrial gas supplier Air Liquide SA. Under the deal, the two companies plan to develop key hydrogen hubs in Europe, Korea, and the US. Supporting the KOSPI’s rise, South Korea’s cumulative current account surplus for the first 10 months of 2025 hit a record $89.58 billion, marking the 30th consecutive monthly surplus.
