The benchmark KOSPI advanced 0.46% to close at a record high of 6,418 on Wednesday, rebounding from earlier losses as buyers returned to heavyweight technology and industrial stocks. The move followed a bout of profit-taking and reflected improving sentiment in select export-oriented sectors.
Support came primarily from Korea’s AI and semiconductor segments, with expanded cooperation between LG and Nvidia lifting optimism over AI development and commercialization. Defense and shipbuilding names also strengthened on fresh export-related news, including Hanwha Aerospace’s partnership with Northrop Grumman and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ first icebreaker export to Sweden. Overall, the session’s rebound was driven by targeted buying in export-focused stocks.
Performance among large caps was mixed: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries jumped 10.76% and Hanwha Aerospace gained 2.01%, while Samsung Electronics fell 0.57%, SK Hynix slipped 0.16%, and Hyundai Motor declined 0.92%.