Tech and Auto Stocks Drive Index Higher The KOSPI opened 1.53% higher, jumping 69.37 points to 4,594.85 as investors piled into semiconductor and automobile shares, extending a tech‑led rally that had already pushed the index above 4,500 the day before [1][2]. Institutional and retail buyers stepped in after an early profit‑taking dip, reinforcing buying pressure across large‑cap names [2]. The surge reflected strong demand for chips and vehicle makers, positioning the market for further upside [1].

Intraday Peaks Break Historic Levels Within minutes of the open, the index briefly traded above the 4,600 mark, setting a fresh intraday high and confirming momentum from the previous session’s record close of 4,525.48 [1]. The prior day had seen the KOSPI breach the 4,500 threshold for the first time, a milestone driven largely by technology gains [2]. These consecutive breakthroughs underscore a rapid acceleration in market breadth centered on a handful of sectors [1][2].

Large‑Cap Leaders Lead Gains Samsung Electronics rose 2.81% and SK Hynix climbed 3.99%, while Hyundai Motor surged 7.47% and Kia added 1.55%, accounting for the bulk of the index’s advance [1]. The concentration of gains in these heavyweight stocks lifted the benchmark toward new all‑time highs despite modest declines in laggards such as Korean Air and LG Chem [1]. Their performance highlights the outsized influence of a few mega‑caps on Korea’s equity market [1].

Currency and External Factors Influence Market The Korean won eased to 1,448.60 per dollar, a depreciation of about 3.1 won, concurrent with equity gains and suggesting foreign inflows into stocks [1]. U.S. market strength— the Dow up 0.99% and the Nasdaq up 0.65%—provided additional risk appetite support [1]. Early‑session profit taking gave way to renewed buying, illustrating the market’s sensitivity to both domestic currency moves and overseas equity trends [2].