FX.co ★ South Korean Shares Extend Gains

The benchmark KOSPI climbed more than 1% to around 5,460 on Monday, extending the previous session’s advance as strength in heavyweight semiconductor stocks and easing energy concerns underpinned risk sentiment. Technology names led the upswing, with Samsung Electronics up 3.2% and SK hynix gaining 2.2% ahead of key earnings guidance, amid expectations of record quarterly profits fueled by the ongoing AI-driven memory upcycle. Other notable gainers included LG Energy Solution (4.0%), SK Square (2.2%), Kia Corporation (0.9%), and Shinhan Financial Group (1.2%). Optimism over potential progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz further supported the market by easing worries about prolonged supply disruptions and extreme oil price spikes. Still, the upside was capped by lingering geopolitical tensions after Donald Trump reiterated threats of military action against Iran, leaving markets highly headline-sensitive and volatility elevated.