The benchmark KOSPI rose more than 1% to around 4,260 on Friday, starting the first trading session of the year near record levels, as heavyweight semiconductor stocks advanced on optimism over sustained AI-driven demand. Samsung Electronics (3.6%) and SK hynix (2.3%) led the upside, supported by expectations that the global chip upcycle will continue to anchor earnings growth this year. Additional gains were seen in SK Square (3.0%), Hanwha Aerospace (1.6%), Celltrion (11.3%) and HD Hyundai Electric (5.2%). Sentiment was further underpinned by strong macro signals after South Korea’s exports hit a record $709.7 billion in 2025, with semiconductor shipments reaching an all-time high and the country posting its largest trade surplus since 2017. The data reinforced confidence in Korea’s export-led recovery, particularly across technology and industrial sectors. Trading began an hour later than usual following the New Year holiday.
